Phillip Wayne Sissom

Phillip Wayne Sissom, lifelong Cleveland area resident, passed away on Thursday, February 16, 2006 at the Cushing Regional Hospital at the age of fifty-two years, four months and twenty-days.

Phillip was born on September 26, 1953 in Hominy, Oklahoma. He was the son of Armond Lunsford and Mabel Mildred Sissom. Phillip was raised and attended school in the Cleveland area, graduating from Cleveland High School in 1971.

Upon completion of his education, Phillip accepted employment with National Tank and worked there for several years. While working for the company, Phillip received training as a welder and worked as a structural pipe welder until the company relocated during the late 1980's. He continued to worked in the welding field working on farm equipment until recently when for health reasons he was forced to retire.

Music was always a big part of Phillip's life; he enjoyed both writing and performing songs. His love for Elvis music led to his entertainment career as an Elvis impersonator. He booked performances all over the area, performing as Elvis at parties and often at restaurants. He could often be found at local festivities including Pioneer Day, Pawnee Bill Celebration and the Tulsa State Fair. For the past few years, Phillip and his fiancÈe, Lynn Robertson have performed together as Sweet Memories of Elvis with Conway Twitty's Cousin, The Country Angel.

In addition to his passion for Elvis music, Phillip enjoyed gospel and country music. He was also a gifted artist and enjoyed painting. His favorite pastime, however, was spending time with his family and friends.

Phillip was raised in the Baptist Church, attending Keystone General Baptist Church as a youth and was a member of the family of Jesus Christ. He was always there for his friends and known as a honest and caring man. He will be missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his fiancÈe, Lynn Robertson of Stroud, Oklahoma; three brothers, Walter Sissom of Cleveland, Oklahoma, Herbert Sissom of Gulfport, Mississippi and Earnest Sissom of Cleveland, Oklahoma; a sister, Vida Mary Ludolph of Terlton, Oklahoma; numerous nieces and nephews and a host of Elvis fans in the area, as well as other friends and family. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am, Monday, February 20, 2006 at the Westport Baptist Church with Dr. Gene Perry officiating. Burial will be under the direction of the Chapman-Black Cemetery at the Sinnett Cemetery.

Visit an online obituary and guestbook for Phillip Sissom at www.chapman-black.com.