Phil Alexander Robertson

It is with deep gratitude for a life well-lived that we announce the passing of our beloved patriarch, Phil Robertson, 79. While known to so many as “The Duck Commander,” he was simply Phil, Dad, Papaw Phil, and the rock of our family to us.

Born on April 24, 1946, in Vivian, Louisiana, the fifth of seven children born to James and Merritt Robertson. Phil’s life was a story of hard work, redemption, deep faith, and unshakable family values. He and his high school sweetheart, Kay Carroway, began a family together in Ruston, Louisiana where he attended Louisiana Tech University. He was the quarterback of the football team and earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Education. After giving his life to Jesus at 28 years of age, Phil turned his attention back to the woods, building a life around the things he loved most: hunting, family, and the Lord.

There was a time when Phil’s life was spiraling, but for the unwavering faith of Miss Kay who never gave up on him, and a faithful sister, Jan, who sent a preacher to a bar to share Jesus with him, stating, “if you convert Phil, he will convert thousands.” Once Phil grasped ahold of the love of Jesus and His grace that saves, he never looked back. His love for the Lord was unwavering, and he made sure everyone around him knew where his heart stood. Above all else, Phil cared most about helping lost souls find Jesus. He baptized thousands and inspired millions more. His transformation impacted not only his own life, and the life of his family but the lives of countless others.

In 1972, Phil invented a double-reeded duck call and soon founded his company, Duck Commander. His first foray into the world of entertainment was through the creation of duck hunting videos, titled The Duckmen of Louisiana. This eventually led to his role on the successful television show Duck Dynasty, centered around the family and business, followed by the Unashamed podcast and the movie about his life story, The Blind. His motto was “Faith, Family, Ducks,” and he would make sure you knew it was, “In that order.” Beyond the fame and his great love of ducks, what mattered most to him was the love and commitment he shared with his beloved wife of 60 years, Miss Kay, and the children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren that followed.

Phil never missed a moment to share the great hope that he had for life beyond the grave through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. His stories and one-liners will live on, but above all, he would want us to remember Who he lived his life for, and would hope that we would all continue the legacy of preaching the Gospel to anyone and everyone who will listen.

Phil is survived by his wife, Kay Carroway Robertson; his children, Alan and Lisa, Jase and Missy, Willie and Korie, Jep and Jessica, and Phyllis and Tony Thomas; his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and his brother Si Robertson. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Merritt Robertson; his siblings, Jimmy Frank, Harold, Tommy, Judy, and Jan.

*In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be sent to Mia Moo Fund, Camp Ch-Yo-Ca, All God’s Children or One Kingdom in Phil’s honor.