Earl was born March 25, 1924 in Wilson, OK to Lee and Mary Frances Phillips. He was in the military from 1947 to 1953 and served in the Air Force and the Marines. He met Dorothy Sampson and they were married for over 50 years. He was involved in several businesses, including real estate, cattle and electronic manufacturing. Earl was one of the first residents of Ussery-Roan Texas State Veterans Home, and lived there for two years.
Earl was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Phillips on January 30, 2002.
Earl is survived by his son, Glen and wife Toni of Amarillo; one daughter, Earlene Phillips Lawrence of Houston; one sister, Imogene Box of Midland; his grandchildren Tara Lawrence, David Lawrence, Mootz Moody, Randel Moody and Chris Lawrence, along with five great-grandchildren.