Eugene Riley Phifer, a beloved husband, son, father, and lifelong learner, passed away on December 13, 2025. He was 68 years old.
He was impacted by a genetic condition known as Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy which led to complications with his heart.
Eugene was born on July 28, 1957, in Vicksburg, Mississippi, to Ira Luther Phifer, Sr. and Bobbie Marshall. He was raised with strong values rooted in faith, family, and perseverance, which guided him throughout his life.
He graduated from Vicksburg High School in 1975, and graduated from the University of Mississippi with a Bachelor of Science in 1978. He went on to further his education, earning an MBA from Dallas Baptist University, a reflection of his dedication to personal growth and academic achievement.
On June 23, 1979, Eugene married the love of his life, Andrea Lambert, in Vicksburg, Mississippi. Their marriage was marked by enduring love, commitment, and shared memories that spanned decades.
Eugene was privileged to have an impressive career in IT that spanned more than 50 years. He was recruited by Texas Instruments out of college, which is what drew him to the Dallas area where he lived the rest of his life. He later worked for Frito-Lay, and again for Texas Instruments, before he settled into his longest and most fulfilling role as Vice President, Distinguished Analyst with Gartner. There he became a leading expert on several topics including web infrastructure and operations, and web portals. He was a highly sought after speaker and presenter, delivering multitudes of keynote addresses, and had several published articles in industry publications. In retirement he focused on Alzheimer’s advocacy, meeting with members of both the federal and state legislature to advocate for public policies that support those in the community affected by Alzheimer’s disease. He was admired by so many that knew him throughout his career.
Eugene will be remembered for his intelligence, charisma, and love for traveling and exploring the world. He was deeply devoted to those that he loved and took great pride in his children and grandchildren. His legacy lives on through the lives he touched and the example he set.
He is survived by wife Andrea L. Phifer of Plano, Texas; daughter, Christina Phifer Wezwick and husband, Keith of Richardson, Texas; daughter, Alyssa Noel Phifer of Blue Ridge, Texas; son, Travis Alexander Phifer and wife, Kassidy of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; granddaughter, Brittany Ann Bagwell; granddaughter, Beatrix Ann Wezwick; grandson, Augustus Medici Phifer; brother, Paul Phifer of Perry, South Carolina; and a host of other loving family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents Ira and Bobbie Phifer and brother, Ira Luther Phifer, Jr.
A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Chapel, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013. The service will also be live streamed at TJMfuneral.com on Eugene’s obituary page by clicking on the following link: https://celebrationoflife.tv/blog/eugene-riley-phifer. After the service, the recorded live stream will be available for viewing at the same link location.
The family will receive guests during a visitation on Saturday, January 10, 2026, immediately after the memorial service at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers the family asks to honor Eugene with donations to the American Heart Association, or in recognition of his advocacy work, to the Dallas & Northeast Texas chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.