Philip "Phil" Ray Gill known to most as Catman Doux, age 50 was called home entirely too young on Monday, September 8, 2025 on LA-Hwy 133 in Columbia, Louisiana, from a tragic vehicle accident. Phil was born January 26, 1975, in Shreveport, Louisiana, to the late Curtis Julian Gill, Sr. and Vera Gloria Goodin Gill.
Phil was an IT (Information Technologist) genius. This is something he spent his entire life growing into. Phil took great pride in everything he did from his career to caring for his fur babies. He had such a huge heart that lead to the rescue of many cats in need of love, care, and affection. This was the creation of Catman Doux as so many reference him.
Phil lost his mother at the young age of four calling his sister Gloria to step into that role. Orchids would always remind him of her. He had an orchid that would sit on his work desk leading to many phone calls between the two in panic of saving this succulent flower. Lego came out with a 3-D orchid puzzle and Phil bought two of them a few months back. One would be for his desk - with the statement being -
'this one he could not kill." The other he was excited to gift Gloria and was located in the truck following the accident. Phil, we will put these together in your honor and display them with the love you provided so many trips to town.
To the family at ITS, Phil was passionate, hard-working and extremely witty. He had a true heart and love for all animals and some people. He was thorough, meticulous and diligent, always willing to help a friend no matter the situation. Loved to crack a well-placed joke oftentimes laced with sarcasm. To Phil every detail mattered in everything he did and he was always willing to provide you with each of those details. In our halls he was affectionately known as Catman.
Phil was also a very adventurous person always exploring new things. When the urge hit, he picked up his keys and off he went. He would return with great photos due to his passion for photography. Phil would always know the best places to eat, even if he had never traveled to these places, Phil had connections all over with this valuable hungered knowledge.
His last goal was to obtain his pilot's license to become a crop duster, for his love of aviation.
At times you could find Phil tinkering with his other hobbies like target practicing, fishing, hiking, riding bikes, motorcycles, planes, flying model planes, drones, model cars, repairing broken things, especially if it pertained to anything listed above.
His home was converted into a cat haven and would become a work in progress due to his love of cats, and creative talents for building things. You never had to ask Phil to fix anything, he just took it upon himself to do whatever was necessary, refusing payment for his efforts.
Phil was a very good person and he was loved by everyone, he will surely be missed, although not forever, because we will meet again.
Phil was preceded in passing by his parents; one sister, Sandra Lynn Gill Perry Wheeler; one brother, Curtis Julian Gill, JR.; two nephews: David Wayne Gill, Richard "Bo" Troyer; two nieces: Sherry Elise Owens, and Stacy Lanette Owens.
Left to cherish Phil's beautiful memory will be two sisters: Julie Gill Grubb, Gloria Jean Gill Owens Head (Maurice Frank), two special nieces raised as siblings: Kelly D. Owens (T), Shannon Owens Creel (Kevin); four nieces: Sarah Dean Furr (Rickie), Megan Morane Kinjorski (Skyler), Maggie Gill, Beth R. Gill; three nephews: Dean Grubb, Brandon Gill, Michael Ean Courtney; along with many extended family members, his ITS family, special friends: Richard Garrett (Paula), Tammy Davis and a host of other wonderful friends.
A visitation for Philip will be held Saturday, September 20, 2025 from 12:00 PM until time for Phil's Celebration of Life service at 2:00 PM at Hill Crest Memorial Funeral Home, 601 Hwy 80, Haughton, Louisiana 71047, with Bro. Chris Keeny officiating.
Interment will immediately follow on the grounds of Providence Cemetery, Springridge, Louisiana.
Honoring Phil as pallbearers will be his work family: Jeremy Garrett, Torren Parker, Aijalon "AJ" James, Nicholas Bennett, Max Churchman, and Jonathan Fox. Honorary pallbearers will be Christopher "Chris" Dodt, Richard Garrett, and Terry Ross.
Memorials may be made in honor of Catmandoux to Cara's House Rescue, 9894 Airline Hwy, Sorrento, Louisiana 70778 (Ascension Parish), 225-675-0400, [email protected].
The family would like to extend their sincerest gratitude to Chris Dodt, Phil's ITS family, Dale Maxwell, Jennifer Whitting, Rozanne Laporte, Cara's House Rescue, Troop F, Troop G, Daniel Ferguson, Terry Ross and Tammy Davis for their roles in Catman Doux's life.
John 16:22 - Jesus comforts his disciples by promising them that their current sorrow will be temporary and will eventually be replaced by a lasting joy when they see him again after his resurrection.
