Phillip (Phil) Morgan Caldwell

Phillip (Phil) Morgan Caldwell, 88, of Greenbrier, AR, passed away peacefully on September 28, 2026, in Little Rock, AR. He was born to William Richard Caldwell, Jr. and Beatrice “Bea” Tarter Caldwell on November 28, 1937, in Stuttgart, AR.

Phil was a man of faith and had declared many times in his final days that he was ready to go home to Heaven.

Phil proudly served in the U.S. Navy aboard the destroyer USS Agerholm, where he also enjoyed playing trumpet in the Navy Drum & Bugle Corps. After sailing the high seas, he returned home to Arkansas and began a 28-year career with GTE. Starting as a lineman, Phil worked his way up to Regional Manager. He was named Employee of the Year for GTE of the Southwest and received many other recognitions throughout his career. He was a hardworking man who took great pride in whatever he put his hands to.

Phil retired at the age of 55 to help care for his first wife, Laverne. After her passing, he met Carolyn in 1996, and they married in 1997. Their marriage began a deep devotion and lasting love that brought them many wonderful years together.

Some of Phil’s happiest days were spent at his lake house on Greers Ferry Lake, surrounded by family and friends. The lake was a special place for Phil, where countless memories were made swimming, boating, fishing, and enjoying time together.

Among his greatest joys was sharing those days with his granddaughters, Katelyn Tester and Lindy Goodwin. He delighted in teaching them to drive the boat, testing their courage on a spirited tube ride, and passing along his knowledge of how to catch a big fish. More than anything, Phil treasured simply having them by his side.

He took great pride in watching Katelyn and Lindy grow and cherished the special bond he shared with each of them. Whether he was making them laugh, teaching them something new, or simply enjoying a quiet day together on the water, the time they shared meant the world to him. The memories created during those treasured lake days will remain a lasting reminder of Phil’s love for his family and the joy he brought to their lives and will forever be a meaningful part of his legacy.

Phil and Carolyn later moved to Greenbrier, AR, where they quickly adopted the entire neighborhood as an extension of their family. Their home was a place where the door was always open, and everyone was welcome. Parties, cookouts, holidays, birthdays, and family celebrations filled their home with laughter, good food, and wonderful memories. If Phil was there, you could count on a good time.

Phil was known for his humor, his fun-loving spirit, and his ability to make people laugh. He had a hardworking drive, strong moral convictions, and a generous heart. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it, and he never hesitated to make time for the people he loved.

He was especially fond of his great grandsons, Case and Lucas. He was always willing to take them on a golf cart ride, whether there was somewhere to go or not, or sit down and share a sweet treat with them. Those simple moments were some of the sweetest, and they are memories his family will hold close for years to come.

Phil had a gift for making people feel welcome, loved, and happy to be around him. He lived life fully, loved deeply, worked hard, played hard, and made the absolute most of every day. His laughter, his stories, his kindness, and his joyful spirit will be deeply missed, but the countless memories he created will live on in all who knew and loved him.

Phil is survived by his loving wife, Carolyn Caldwell; son Scott Caldwell (Jennifer) of Little Rock; stepson Craig Brooks (Carla) of Mabelvale; and stepdaughter Vicki Goodwin of Conway. He is also survived by several grandchildren and great grandchildren, including his beloved granddaughters, Katelyn Tester (Colson) of Farmington and Lindy Goodwin of Conway, and great grandsons, Case and Lucas Tester.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Laverne Woody Caldwell; brother Bobby Caldwell; sister Annie Roach; stepson Richy Brooks; and grandson Clay Goodwin.

Services will be held on October 15 at 1 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Carlisle. The family will be available for visitation both before and after the service.