William “Bill” Phillips, Jr., age 92, passed away on Monday, January 26, 2026. Born on March 14, 1933, in Burke County, he was the son to the late William Phifer Phillips, Sr. and Mamie Rosalie Orders Phillips.
Bill was a member of Cross Memorial Baptist Church and a former member of Southside Baptist Church. He was a veteran of the Army where he served in the Korean War. Later, he worked at Drexel Heritage Plant 6 where he retired. He enjoyed fishing, working on odds and ends, and cutting firewood, but he will be remembered most for his love of his family and the time he enjoyed with them all.
Bill is survived by his wife of 67 years, Irene Smith Phillips; his children, Shirley Brittain, Denise Vance (Sammy, Jr.), Patty Clontz, and Rebecca Eaker (Mark); grandchildren, Kirk Brittain, Braxton Vance (Jonisha), Nick Clontz (Emilie), Brody Eaker, and Bridgett Eaker; great-grandchildren, Lialla Vance, Roman Vance, and Royce Vance; sister, Marie Crites; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Bill is preceded in death by his brother, Jack Phillips and sister, Betty Sue Courtney.
The family will receive family and friends from 1:00-2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at Sossoman Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. at Sossoman Funeral Home with Dr. Jeffrey Beach officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery with pallbearers, Kirk Brittain, Braxton Vance, Nick Clontz, Brody Eaker, Sammy Vance, Jr., Mark Eaker, and Tommy Smith.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Judes Children’s Hospital.
The family would like to thank Grace Heights for their wonderful kindness and compassionate care of Bill.
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Mrs. Phillips and family I am so sorry for the loss of your husband,dad and grandfather. May God wrap his arms around You and give you comfort that only God can give. Prayi.g for all during this difficult time. Love Bill Baker family
Mrs. Phillips and family I am so sorry for the loss of your husband,dad and grandfather. May God wrap his arms around You and give you comfort that only God can give. Prayi.g for all during this difficult time. Love Bill Baker family
I’m so very sorry for your loss . May God give you Grace and Strength during this time , as only he can
I want to send my prayers and condolences to the family, I always thought the world of Bill and remember his laugh, may God comfort you through this difficult time. I will always have fond memories of being in the family.