Phillip Shelby Stockton, 85, of Phoenix, passed away on Wednesday, August 25, 2021 peacefully in his sleep. Phil was raised on a dairy farm in Phoenix and it’s there that he learned to rope and ride. At the age of 16, Phil and partner won the team roping event at the Phoenix Rodeo. He was part of the 1st class at ASU to be granted a rodeo scholarship. Phil continued to rope and enjoyed riding horses his whole life. He was a member of the PRCA, RCA, Rancheros Vistadores and the 4Q’s. He was also a proud member of the Sheriff’s Posse here in Phoenix. Upon graduation Phil joined the Air Force where he eventually was honorably discharged as a Captain. While at ASU Phil met his bride to be Sue McCreary. Phil joined the McCreary family business, McCreary & Pew Wholesale and enjoyed a nice career there until retiring. Phil and Sue were married for 63 years until her passing this past December. One of his claims to fame was training and racing mules. At one point his mule Ace, was a world champion and had the title of the World’s Fastest Mule.
Phil is survived by his son, Eddie Stockton; daughters, Cindy Stockton and Christy (Al) Asta; 10 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; Brothers Terry Zook, Dennis Zook and Henry Stockton; and sister Cheryl Gammons.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, September 2, 2021, from 9AM to 11AM with a funeral service at 11AM at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix.
For those unable to attend, the funeral service will be livestreamed at: www.Facebook.com/whitneymurphy
Interment with Military Honors to follow at 1:00PM at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N. Cave Creek Rd., Phoenix. Contributions in Phil’s memory may be made to AFCCA Foundation For Children at www.azfoundationforchildren.org
Jim Harrison Sr.
Dear Eddie, Cindy & Christy, I have fond memories of your dad. He was my brother in law’s, brother in law. Bob McCreary was my brother in law. I fondly recall our deer hunting trips with Phil, Bob, Kemper Marley, Harry and our boys to the Baca Float. He was also a favorite of my parents, Truth & Doug Harrison. When we would catch a mess of fish, Phil & Suzie would be included in the back yard fish fry. I also hold Phil responsible for getting my son, Jimmy into mules and I still bear the scars of the mule packing trips my son took me on. Lots of support, Jim Harrison Sr.
Berny Gaarsoe
Christy, so sorry to hear about your father’s passing. Best to you and your family through this tender time.
Berny Gaarsoe
Gary & Cheryl McMahon
To the family we send our prayers to comfort you in this difficult time. Phil was such a gem and so much fun. We were part of a group of friends that met for dinner every Wed. before the Covid and looked so forward to the great time we would all have. Phil & Susie were such wonderful people and we were blessed to know them.
Gregory Hilgendorf
Christy and Al and Family,
Helen and I are saddened to hear of your father’s death. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We miss you and think of you often. God Bless.
Greg and Helen Hilgendorf
Jim Stockton
Cindy, Christy, and Eddie, I offer my prayers and thoughts to you for comfort and peace during this time of your loss. Phil will be missed greatly by the rest of the family. I wish I had been able to know him longer than I have. We are all still family and you can turn to any of us in time of need. We love you all!