In the early hours of Tuesday morning, Michael (Mike) Ray Phillips took his own life. This unexpected tragedy has reached far -- Mike was a beloved father, brother, uncle, and friend to many. He will be dearly missed.

Aside from his work in flooring and his hobbies like fishing and Bible study, he made a habit of teaching others wherever he went. Partly guided by the quote, "You can give a man a fish and he'll eat for a day; you can teach a man to fish and he'll eat for a lifetime," Mike indeed taught his son and daughter how to fish. He also taught many others about the flooring business, and how to appreciate the depth of Biblical stories.

Mike leaves behind a long list of family members: son Michael (Robert) Phillips, daughter Noelle Nelson, sister Cari Fuller, brother Jerod Martinez, along with his parents and many others. Aside from digesting the reality of this tragedy, his family is making arrangements to have him sent from Texas to New Mexico so that he may be buried near his older brother Lenny, who passed more than 20 years ago.

Mike's family is humbly asking for assistance to cover the costs of his transport and services. Donations of any amount will be greatly appreciated.