Dr. Phillip Lee (Phil) Cory, 82, of Pocola, OK, formerly of Tatum, TX, and Bethany, OK, passed from earth to heaven on April 28, 2025, after a long battle with leukemia, but having what he often described as a blessed life thanks to the goodness of God.

Dr. Cory was born on May 21, 1942, to Mattie Lee Riggs Cory and Robert (Bob) Cory. He grew up in Bethany, OK, a small town in the Oklahoma City metro area, during what he would describe as the "best of times"—loving God and with everyone knowing, enjoying, and looking out for each other.

After graduating from Bethany High School, Phil continued as a life-long learner, whether working with his hands, studying God's word, or in a formal education setting. He held an associate of applied science degree from both Dallas Institute of Funeral Service and Tarrant College, a bachelor's degree from Southern Nazarene University, a master's degree from Nazarene Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Phillips University. He served as a pastor in Oklahoma, Kansas and New Jersey, as a missionary, seminary president, and pastor in Costa Rica and Chile, as a funeral director and embalmer in Dallas/Fort Worth and Clinton, Oklahoma, as director of driver safety and personnel for a trucking firm in Oklahoma City, and as a bilingual kindergarten teacher in Fort Worth. (What a diverse background!—but loving people and sharing the gospel of Christ wherever the location or vocation.)

In 2000, Phil and his wife, Joy, moved to Tatum, TX, where he immediately knew he had found "home" and became a volunteer leader in the community, church, morning coffee assembly at the DQ, Corner Café, and/or Exxon station, city council/government, and cheering on his beloved Tatum Eagles football team. During his 15-year tenure as Mayor of Tatum, TX, from 2004 to 2019, he played a vital role in construction of the Sherman R. Smith Community Center and in welcoming many new businesses and industries into the community. Additionally, he was highly active with the Texas Municipal League (TML), serving Region 15 as president and as state director. He further benefited TML as a member of its Legislative Policy Committee on Annexation and Regulation Development. On March 6, 2019, the State of Texas House of Representatives of the 86th Texas Legislature honored Dr. Cory with a Commendation Resolution for his accomplishments to Tatum and the State of Texas.

Although retiring as Mayor, Phil remained steadfast in his commitment to Tatum-- "A Good Place to Call Home"-- through his servant leadership at First Baptist Church (FBC) of Tatum. He served on the FBC Board of Trustees and as Trustee Chairman, Deacon, multiple administrative and ministry teams/committees, led Wednesday night Bible Study, taught the Men's Sunday School Class, and served as interim pastor/pulpit supply. During the COVID-19 National Health Emergency, Phil, along with Bert Edwards and Clay Lassen, initiated FBC's social media ministry. On Sunday mornings, in the small church library, Phil presented God's message/sermon while Clay and Bert recorded and transmitted it with an iPhone to Facebook Live, thus virtually connecting God's people during those uncertain times.

Regardless of the role he was in, whether tinkering/working at his shop to build something or helping a friend repair a vehicle, fishing, hunting, or mowing at the farm property, you knew he loved people and sharing God's love for them and the path to salvation.

Phil and his wife, Joy, recently relocated from Tatum, Texas, to Pocola, Oklahoma, to be nearer to family in Fort Smith and Oklahoma City. He especially wanted to spend more time with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, his sister and brother-in-law, and extended family and lifelong friends. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Pocola.

Phil was preceded in death by his parents, Mattie Lee and Bob Cory; and his brothers, Robert Darrel Cory and Steven Cory.

Phil was preceded in death by his parents, Mattie Lee and Bob Cory; and his brothers, Robert Darrel Cory and Steven Cory. Left to carry on his legacy of ministry are his wife of 35 years, Joy; sister, Judith Cory Kastner (Glen); daughters, Melanie Cory Hobbs and Tammy Chase (Brian); sons, Phillip Christopher Cory (Rhonda), Gregory Parrish Cory and Jonathan Scott Cory; his grandchildren, Tara, Laura, Michayla, Jordanne, Katherine, Joshua, Cash, Lillian, Paige, Henry, Piper, Garrett, and Preston; great-grandchildren, Dominic, Carleigh, Pressley, Noah, Layla, Hope, Harmon, and Hutton; his former wife of 25 years, Linda Parrish; and his extended family and friends. He was very proud of his family and friends and prayed for them daily on an individual basis.

Private burial will take place at Bethany Cemetery on Saturday, May 3, 2025,, with Rev. Jeremy Marler officiating.

A memorial service honoring the life of Dr. Phil Cory will be held at Mercer-Adams Funeral Service Chapel in Bethany, Oklahoma, on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 3:00 pm, with Rev. Ryan Matlock and Rev. Kori Hooper officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Dr. Cory's name to First Baptist Church of Tatum, PO Box 837, Tatum, TX  75691.