The family of Terry Lee Phillips, aka "T-Bear,” 75, has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to be present as he makes his final journey to his resting place. It will be our honor to fulfill their request.
Terry was born 26 Dec 1948 in San Pedro, and passed away peacefully at home in Wildomar with his life companion, Kath, by his side on 17 Sept 2023.
Terry enlisted in the United States Air Force on 29 Nov 1968 during the Vietnam Conflict, and was honorably discharged as a Sergeant on 08 Dec 1972. After training, he worked as a jet engine mechanic at Kadina Air Base, Okinawa, where he performed maintenance and repairs on various aircrafts. He earned the National Defense Medal and the Good Conduct medal.
During his civilian life, his hobbies, interests, and trades were numerous. He was a motorcycle enthusiast, enjoyed waterskiing, surfing, boating, cribbage, and last, but last but not least, loved his cigars.
He worked as a bartender and bar manager at various clubs in South Bay. He was a car mechanic, drivability technician, limousine and party bus driver, service manager at Cal Worthington Ford, construction water truck driver, FedX delivery driver, and RQA Recall Driver.
Terry has been a 27-year member of the American Legion Post 200, Lake Elsinore, and was actively involved in all operations herein as Canteen Manager, 1st Vice, 2nd Vice, and Trustee. He was also an avid motorcycle rider, and founder of the American Legion Riders Chapter 200. He held several positions putting together events, fundraisers, and runs too numerous to list; Bingo at the VA Hospital; a HOG Member, Temecula Valley; a Patriot Guard Rider arranging runs to Riverside National Cemetery (RNC) for Veterans Without Family; and pretty much opened the door to a world most would dream of.
Terry is survived by his life partner, Kathy Mclean (Kath) of 32 years; three sisters, Linda Ramirez, Kathy Tower, and Vickie Sanders; along with numerous nieces, and nephews. His unwavering dedication to his family, friends, community, and country will serve as an inspiration to those who carry his legacy.
Note: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this military veteran. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, we will accompany this hero and his family from The American Legion Post 200 to RNC (approx. 30 miles). Please see the timetable below if you would like to participate. For those who would rather go directly to the cemetery, please stage just north of the first restrooms upon entry, then follow our procession to the staging lane. PGR will park across from Shelter G (Golf). From there we will be assigned a shelter for our Flag Line / Military Honors.
TIMELINE FOR FRIDAY, 03 NOV 20230900 - Stage at American Legion Post 200, 18861 Grand Ave, Lake Elsinore, CA.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/68aE4n3m8XbTadk590930 - Mission briefing.
1000 - KSU to Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd, Riverside, CA.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/fTJWuJfBsSVhg4Sq61115 - KSU to shelter for flag line and military honors.
Steve “Taz” George
SoCal PGR Ride Captain
sghdbeast@gmail.com / 714-931-3950You do not have to be a veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. All PGR members are welcome. We encourage those who do not ride to attend in your car. If this is your first mission, go to the initial staging area and you will be briefed there by the Ride Captain (RC). Dress for motorcycle riding or dress casually if you are driving a cage (car). Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can. Please ride/drive safely.
Please remember that our mission is to stand tall and silent, and with honor and respect for our Heroes. No talking, smoking, or cell phone use during the flag line or service. Please keep radios off and engine noise to a minimum. Observe the 15 MPH speed limit. Remember, cemeteries are hallowed ground. Show respect to all who are there, not just the ones we are honoring.
