Phillip Allan Woolford

Obituary For Phillip Allan Woolford

Phillip Allan Woolford, 90, went to be with his Lord and Savior, on Friday, July 11, 2025. Phil was born in Los Angeles, California on July 5, 1935 to Paul and Opal Woolford. The family moved to Hot Springs, New Mexico when Phil was nine years old and began operating the Elephant Butte Lodge and Restaurant and what he called the “boat docks” (present day Damsite Marina). During this time frame Phil, along with his parents and younger sister, Carol, lived on-site in the old hotel and auxiliary buildings that have since been torn down. He spent his childhood and teenage years working at the boat docks - retrieving boats, cleaning fish for customers, free diving to check anchors and recover lost items, and doing various odd jobs.

After graduating from Hot Springs High School in 1953, he attended New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, where he graduated four years later with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. He then decided to serve his country in the United States Coast Guard. The majority of his time was served on the USCG Cutter Storis out of Kodiak, Alaska, doing search and rescue, supply, and light ice breaker duty in the Arctic. After 3 years, 3 months, and 27 days of active duty, he left the USCG and joined the New Mexico State Police where he served from 1964-1968 out of Clines Corners and then Truth or Consequences. During this time frame, he met and married his wife, Bobbi. Their wedding was on July 15, 1968 at the First Baptist Church. He then decided to move his career to the US Border Patrol. He spent the next twenty-one years serving in this capacity until his retirement in 1990. During that time, he and Bobbi raised three daughters together in T. or C. After retirement from the Border Patrol, he worked another five years for the Sierra County Sheriff’s Department. In 1996, he officially retired from work and began devoting himself full time to his favorite pastimes - fishing at the lake and river and spending time with family and friends. The First Baptist Church was his church home for most of his life - he loved his church family dearly and looked forward to spending time with them. He was ordained as a Deacon there in 2018.

Phil was an honorable man. He lived a life of character and integrity, always striving to do the right and honest thing. He was mild natured with a gentle spirit. He was kind to everyone, incredibly patient and slow to anger, had a clever sense of humor, and was typically the smartest yet most humble person in the room.

He was a loving and devoted husband, a wise and good father, an ornery but treasured brother, a friendly and fun-loving grandfather, cousin, and uncle, and a loyal and steadfast friend. He loved the Lord and followed him in all his ways. In his last days he was eager to get on to Heaven and “go fishing with Jesus”.

Phil is survived by his beloved wife, Bobbi Woolford; his adoring sister, Carol Kipp; his daughters- Twyla Woolford, Aimee Brown (Barry), and Melissa Woolf (Russell); his grandchildren- Keasha Hill (Matthew), Felina Woolf, and Gracie Woolf; his great grandchildren Kelby, Safria, Novalyn, and Alexander Hill; and many cherished cousins, nephews, nieces, and in-laws. He was preceded in death by his mother and father; his dear Uncle Harry; and his precious grandson, Tython Bonnett.

Phil will be remembered as a good and kind man, and we are all richer and better for having known him.

A Memorial service will be held for Phil at the First Baptist Church - the date and time will be announced at a later date.

Donations can be made in Phil's name to the First Baptist Church Respite Fund at P.O. Box 329 Truth or Consequences, NM 87901.