The Well Kingsburg

Phil was born in Arkansas, but his family moved to California when he was three years old.  His parents were farm workers and he grew up at the end of a cotton row and grapevine.  He is the youngest of seven children and was raised in the Dinuba/Orosi area.  He graduated from Dinuba High,  Reedley College and Fresno State University where he earned his bachelor’s degree and master’s in education.

Phil received Jesus as his savior as a sophomore at Reedley College.  He was dating Nancy at the time and they were attending Campus Life meetings.  They got married in 1968 and attended Fresno State University together working their way through.  Phil served in the Army National Guard for six years during the Vietnam era.  They returned to Dinuba to start their teaching careers and family.  They have two wonderful children Kristi Hodges (married to Scott) and Matt.  Kristi and Scott are both in education with Kristi as a teacher and counselor at COS.  Scott teaches at Kingsburg High and is the athletic director.  Matt is single living in Visalia and serves as the assistant superintendent at Kingsburg Elementary.  They have two granddaughters Karlee Peterson (married to Jacob) and Khloe Muxlow  married to Cal.  Phil and Nancy will be great grandparents in 2025!

Phil was a teacher and principal in Dinuba, Kingsburg and Visalia for 38 years.  Nancy taught elementary school for 40 years in Dinuba.  Phil and Nancy have always loved young people and have served as Sunday School teachers, elders/deacons, youth sponsors and Nancy predominantly in the area of music. They both served in Awana children’s ministry for years. Phil has his ministerial license and speaks from time to time in local and surrounding churches.  He loves teaching God’s word and has led more life groups than he can remember. 

Phil enjoys anything to do with his family and most every sport.  He played baseball in high school and college and has been a loyal Yankees fan ever since he was placed on a little league team called the Yankees.  Phil and Nancy have always been passionate about evangelism and enjoy talking to people about Jesus.  They attended Explosion 71 held in Dallas Texas where they were discipled by Campus Crusade for Christ (Bill Bright) and Billy Graham.  This would be an inspiration for the rest of their lives. There has been no greater joy in their lives than sharing and leading family members, friends and strangers to new life in Christ!