Phillip Joseph Todora, Jr., The Man, The Myth, The Legend 69, of Orange, Texas, passed away on December 1, 2025, at home.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, December 12, 2025, at St. Henry Catholic Church in Bridge City.
Visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, December 11, 2025, at Claybar Funeral Home in Bridge City, with a Rosary to begin at 7:00 p.m.
Born in Port Arthur, Texas, on October 19, 1956, he was the son of Phillip Joseph Todora, Sr. and Stella (Rivera) Todora. Phillip was a man who lived life with a full heart and an open hand. He loved deeply – life, family, friends, and above all, his Savior, Jesus Christ. Those who knew him knew the joy, laughter, and the warmth of someone who truly cared. Everybody was his friend. Anybody who crossed his path walked away better for it.
For 46 beautiful years, Phillip shared his life with the love of his life, Janice. Together they raised four children and opened their home to countless others, who became family in every way that mattered. He was a son, husband, dad, brother, uncle, coach, and most importantly, Pawpaw T. His love for his family was steady, generous, and unmistakable.
Phillip was known far and wide as the Gumbo King, a title he earned with pride. But his greatest passion outside of family was coaching softball. He loved shaping young athletes into the best versions of themselves – not only as players, but as confident capable young women.
He was deeply involved in Bridge City Little League for many years and later became a defining figure in girls’ ASA softball. He began coaching the ASA team Thunder in the Bellaire Girls’ ASA League around 1991, guiding them from 14 and U through 18 and U. Even after coaching, Phillip remained devoted to the sport through USA Softball of Texas, District 39. He proudly served as Deputy JO Commissioner and, in 2018, stepped into the position of JO Commissioner.
Phillip was always the first to offer a hand, the last to leave when work needed to be done, and the one everyone turned to for knowledge and wisdom. USA Softball of Texas District 39 loved him, respected him, and drew strength from his many years of dedication to the sport.
Phillip will be remembered forever – for his heart, his humor, his service, and the countless lives he touched. His absence leaves a space that cannot be filled, and he will be greatly, deeply missed.
Waiting for him at Heaven’s Gate, his parents, Stella and Phillip Todora, Sr.; sisters, Joni and Elizabeth; son-in-law, Zane; and great-granddaughter, sweet baby Lily James (LJ).
Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Lord. – Matthew 25:23
Phillip is survived by his wife, Janice; children, Brandi (Andy), Candace, RaeAnna, Trey (Jennifer); grandchildren, Bailey, Kathryn (Dakota) Christine (Bret), Chevlyn, Madilyn, Ryan, Remi, Brandon (Gabrielle); brother, Ray (Haidee); godson, Collin; goddaughter, Sylvia; and many nieces, nephews, and other loving family and friends.
Serving as pallbearers will be Hannah Murchinson, Steve Jara, Eugene Crocker, Kevin Mott, Bill Bailey, Andrew Swope, and Collin Todora. Honorary pallbearers are Ray Todora, Ryan Rezaie, Bobby “Booney” Guidry, Cesar Muzquiz, Freddy Artola, and Crosby Granger.
Cremation will be held under the direction of Claybar Funeral Home in Orange.