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.
Tribute Wall
Leave a tribute for William "Bill" Phillips, Jr..
Wanda and I have known Bill for many years. We met Bill and his family when we started going to Southside Baptist Church a long time ago.Bill was such a humorous man and had a big smile on his face when he talked to people.He was a pleasant man to be around. When we would go to visit him in the rest home and walk into his room, he would have a big smile on his face. We really enjoyed our time we spent with him. We are truly going to miss Bill. May God continue to bless Irene and family. We haven’t forgotten you. We love you all!
Irene and family, We are so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. We will cherish the time spent getting to know him. A precious man who loved his family and it showed. May God give you the peace, strength, comfort, and guidance during your time of need. May you always feel His arms wrapped around you. You are in our thoughts and prayers. In Christ, Tammy, Hillard and Benjamin Browning
We are so sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and your family ❤️🙏
I am so sorry for your loss , I never got to know you personally, but I knew you came to be with your husband everyday , you were so faithful to always be there , I wish we had got to know each other . But I am so sorry for your loss , may God give you and your family Peace , Grace , and Strength that only he can give to sustain you .
Patty I am heartbroken for you and your family. I pray you find comfort and strength in all your wonderful memories.
Irene and entire family, We are so sorry to hear of Bills passing. Please accept our sincere condolences. Your family will remain in our prayers.
My condolences to the Phillips family. Leona said she thought the world of (POP) and (MOM) . She talks about you often. the meals they ate together brought them all joy and peace. I think God brings people together in times of need. Know that POP is in a far better place. What little I talked to his I know he was a God fearing man. Wayne and Leona Suttle
Irene, Patty, Nick & family: We are very sorry. May the Lord blanket you with His loving presence, strength and grace, and may you find peace through His promise... "And lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world." ~ Matthew 28:20 ~
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