Phillip Bruce Stidham passed away on February 21, 2026. He left this world as he lived his life -on his own terms in his home, surrounded by all those who loved him most.

Per his wishes, a small celebration of life will be held later, and his ashes will be scattered at two of his favorite places: his hunting camp, Bucksnort, in Mississippi, and his good friend Corwyn Aldredge’s farm, where he spent so many wonderful times with his closest friends.

Bruce was born May 30, 1935, to Emmett Earl and Mary Hope Stidham. He spent his early years in many small Mississippi towns with his family, as his father led several Presbyterian congregations, before they finally settled in Coffeeville, Mississippi. He loved his parents and was so incredibly proud of them. He and his mother shared the same sense of humor, and he passed it down to all his children. Among his most cherished belongings were his father’s Bibles and a book of his handwritten sermons. His faith was strong from a young age.

During high school, one of his many claims to fame, along with attaining the rank of Eagle Scout, was being the only beekeeper in all of Yalobusha County. He chose this as his 4-H project and was called upon from all over the county to handle “bee issues”. Right after high school, he was drafted into the United States Army and was stationed in Germany alongside fellow Mississippi native Elvis Presley, whom he continued to love and listen to all his life. He spent several afternoons sitting on Elvis’ porch in Germany while they were both serving our country. He had a lifelong love of all things Elvis and loved to tell stories about their time together, and the white convertible BMW Elvis drove while they were there.

He attended and graduated from his beloved Mississippi State University, where he was quick to tell anyone who would listen that all the trophies and accolades he received there were in dancing. He never missed a chance to tell anyone and everyone how much his alma mater meant to him, and he was never at a loss for a story (or two) from this time in his life. It was during this time that he began his lifelong love of music. Many of his stories involved following The Red Tops and cultivating friendships with the band at a time when such friendships were not allowed. He proudly displayed typed letters and memorabilia from them in his room and listened to their music throughout his life.

After graduating, he began a 65-year career in sales, most of which was in the western industry. He was “on the road” for most of that time and was named Salesman of the Year more times than we can count. His son, Dan, followed in his footsteps and will attest that people continue to ask about him and still sing his praises to this day. He was a born salesman and never met a stranger.

His first job out of Mississippi State was in Dallas, Texas, where he met and married his wife, Paula. After marrying, the couple moved back to his hometown of Coffeeville, Mississippi. After the birth of their first daughter, Lee Stacy, the couple moved to Monroe, Louisiana, in 1968. Son, Daniel Martin, and daughter, Sally Katherine, would be born in Monroe.

He took great pride in all his children and grandchildren, and they loved him just as much. He had a very special relationship with each of them, and they will miss him and all his stories terribly. He was lovingly referred to as Daddy or Papa, and these were titles he was prouder of than anything else. He taught them all how to tell a story, and we can all agree that he never let truthfulness get in the way of a good story. This is a trait we will all miss the most!

The family would like to thank Megan McClanahan for her incredible kindness and love during his life. He cherished their friendship and lovingly called her his “girlfriend”. They also want to thank Debbie White for her love and amazing patience in caring for him over the last several years. He looked forward to her visits each week.

Bruce was preceded in death by Lee Paula Stidham (wife), Emmett Earl Stidham (father), and Mary Hope Stidham (mother), Mary Katherine Enloe (sister), Winton Enloe (brother-in-law), Mary Morgan Penland (niece who was more like a sister), and Walter Enloe (nephew who was more like a brother). He is survived by his children, Stacy Anderson (Ronald) of Houston, TX, Dan Stidham (Christy) of Monroe, LA, Sally Allen (Curt) of Monroe, LA; grandchildren Emma and Sarah Grace Carr, Jack and Mary Hope Allen, and Emmett Stidham; his niece, Molly Hicks (Mike) (who was more like a sister) and his nephew, Johnny Enloe (Sandy) (who was more like a brother). He had an incredibly special lifelong friendship with his cousin (who was also like a brother), Jon Lepicier (Kathy).