Dr. Philip George Samuel Hudkins, 73, of Wichita Falls, passed away peacefully on April 3, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was born September 17, 1952, in Syracuse, New York, to the late Edward Mason Sleighel and Nancy Isabel Howard Hudkins, the third of four children.

Phil served others with a generous spirit, both in his personal life and throughout his medical career. As a child, he lived in many places—including El Paso, La Jolla, and Spain—developing a lifelong love of travel and a gift for making friends wherever he went. His early adventures with his siblings, Harry, Mark, and Nancy, fostered a deep love of family and a sense of humor that carried him through life's challenges.

His path toward pathology led him to Guadalajara, where he earned his first medical degree, followed by a second degree and residency at UT Health Science Center in San Antonio. He ambitiously pursued his career and made lifelong friendships during this time, becoming the extended, found family to many that he met along the way. He also met a registered nurse at a Halloween party named Carrie Moeller, who became the love of his life.

Early pursuits in his medical career led him to be on the faculty at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and work at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Phil and Carrie perfectly complemented each other and enjoyed these early adventures as they settled into their 34-year marriage. They chose to move to Wichita Falls to reunite with their best friends from medical school and grow the Pathology Associates practice.

Throughout his career, Phil was a dedicated pathologist who took great pride in serving his community. He held leadership roles at United Regional and spent more than 30 years supervising laboratories across surrounding communities. His professional contributions also included published medical articles and the mentorship of colleagues and staff.

Phil and Carrie built a wonderful life with their children, Samantha and Nicholas. He found great joy in coaching Nick's soccer team, attending Sam's gymnastics meets, and enthusiastically sampling Carrie's latest recipes. His curious nature led him to pursue many hobbies over the years, and he kept everyone laughing as he perfected cinnamon rolls and venison sausage, built ham radios, took up photography and scuba diving, and spent hours in the deer blind.

Weekend trips to Possum Kingdom Lake, as well as travel to Crested Butte, Aruba, Alaska, Disney World and Ireland were some of the highlights of his life. Phil also cherished his role as grandfather to Henry and Ava, constantly sneaking them shortbread cookies and making them laugh.

Phil had a beloved dog by his side always, especially Penn during his final days. Phil will be remembered for his warmth, curiosity, and steady generosity, as well as for the deep and lasting impact he had on his family, friends, colleagues, and community. We find comfort in knowing he has been reunited with his beloved Carrie.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Carrie, his parents, Nancy and Edward, his brother, Mark, his father-in-law, Alton, and his brother-in-law, Bubba.

He is survived by his children Samantha and Nicholas, son-in-law Josh, grandchildren Henry and Ava, siblings Harry and Nancy, sister-in-law Marlene, as well as his nieces and nephews on the Sleighel side.

In the Moeller family, he is survived by his mother-in-law Emma, brothers-in-law David, Harry, Mitch, and Ray, sisters-in-law Janet, Kris, Rita, Sandy and Teresa, as well as many more nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 am on Thursday, April 9, 2026 at Lunn's Colonial Funeral Home with Deacon Jim Bindel officiating.

For those desiring, memorial contributions may be sent to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.