08/17/2026
Please keep the Lyne family in your thoughts and prayers. The world has lost a great man and cowboy.
Phil Lyne
January 18, 1947 - August 15, 2026
Phillip Morris Lyne, 79, of Cotulla, Texas, passed away peacefully at his home on the Baylor Ranch surrounded by loved ones on August 14, 2026. Born on January 18, 1947, in San Antonio, Texas, Phil grew up on his family’s ranch in Live Oak County. He graduated from George West High School in the Class of 1965 and later attended Southwest Texas Junior College and Sam Houston State University.
Phil’s extraordinary rodeo career included five world championships—two in all-around, two in tie-down roping, and one in steer roping—as well as induction into the National Rodeo Hall of Fame, Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame,Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame, Texas Rodeo Hall of Fame, Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame, Pendleton Round-Up and Happy Canyon Hall of Fame, PBR Ring of Honor, Bull Riding Hall of Fame,Texas Trail of Fame and numerous other awards and honors.
Phil Lyne helped define rodeo, but by no means did rodeo define the man Phil Lyne was to those who had the privilege and honor of knowing him best. He was a man who lived his life with humility, integrity, and respect for others as well as for himself. He never had to tell anyone who he was, because his actions always aligned with his values.
As a rancher and conservationist, he left every piece of land—leased or owned—better than he found it. Whether he was talking about shooting or rodeo or any of his passions, he stressed mastering the basics and fundamentals, then practicing them over and over until they became muscle memory. He believed deeply in consistency and applied those same principles to the way he lived his life. No matter the circumstances, he was consistently the same man every day.
He treasured his friendships. He enjoyed working cattle horseback with dogs, as well as hunting and calling coyotes. He treated people with respect, refused to participate in gossip, kept his word, and gave without expecting anything in return. And he did this consistently.
Phil was a loyal and devoted husband to Sarah, his wife and helpmate of 53 years, whom he affectionately called “Henry.” He showed his love, often teasing her with great affection, and the look in his eyes made clear how deeply he cherished her. He was proud of his children and grandchildren, and the same unmistakable look in his eyes revealed how deeply he loved them.
Phil is survived by spouse, Sarah Light Lyne; children, Amanda Lyne, Samantha Lyne Mauney and spouse, J.B. Mauney; grandchildren, Tanner Green, London Finnley Lyne, Mateo Ridge Gorham and Jagger Briggs Mauney.
A celebration of a life well lived will be held following a private burial at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, August 19, 2026 at the Alexander Convention Center (formerly Brush Country Chamber of Commerce -290 N I-35 Frontage Rd., Cotulla, TX 78014).
The family extends its heartfelt appreciation to the devoted care team of Courtney Estrada, Gracie Herrera, Liz Kring, Jeff Roderick, Claire Shedrock and Kyla Stamps for their compassion, kindness, and unwavering support.
Donations may be made to the First Church of Cotulla-Building Fund at 302 Center St., Cotulla, TX 78014 or the charity of one’s choice.
