William L. Phillips

CROSWELL: Our loving and gracious God in heaven welcomed with open arms, a good and faithful servant. William (Bill) Lee Phillips, Major, USAF Retired, of Croswell, MI, age 77, quietly and peacefully passed away on October 11, 2017, at United Hospice in Marlette, MI. Bill was born March 5, 1940 in Detroit, MI, the eldest of 5 children of Bert A Phillips (1911-2004) and Amelia W. (Hoffman) Phillips (1919-2011). Bill was married to Barbara Ann Knorr 1963-1982 (divorced). Bill married Sheila K. Johnson September 9, 1983. He graduated from Cros/Lex High School in 1958, attended Albion College (1958-1960), and the University of Nebraska with a Bachelors Degree. Bill proudly served in the United States Air Force 1960-1980 and retired with the rank of Major. As Navigator/Special Pilot, Bill flew the F-4 Phantom aircraft in combat missions in Vietnam for 1 year-1969. His titles included Navigator, Radar Intercept Officer, Weapons System Officer, Air Operations Weapons System Officer F-4. His USAF Decorations, Awards, Citations, Campaign Ribbons included: Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Medal with 6 Oak Leaf Clusters, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Combat Readiness Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, Vietnam Service Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Meritorious Service Medal. After retiring from the Air Force, Bill worked as a Technical Writer and wrote Proposals for new business with A.M. General and General Dynamics in Michigan and Lockheed Electronics in New Jersey. In 1986 he transferred to Lockheed Missiles and Space in Sunnyvale, CA where he ran a Proposal Resource Center. Bill retired from Lockheed and moved back home to Michigan in 1997. Bill had a “can do” attitude, and when you look up the word “tireless” in the dictionary, his face is on the page. Prior to his accident in 2005 that left him disabled, Bill enjoyed hunting, fishing, golf and dancing. Bill is survived, and will be greatly missed, by his wife of 34 years Sheila, his 3 children; son Jeffrey Todd (Maria) Phillips of Live Oak, TX, daughter Linell Andrea Phillips, of San Antonio, TX, son Aaron James (Danielle) Phillips, Pigeon, MI, 5 grandchildren Scott Lee Phillips, Hannah Michelle Phillips, Bryce Alacin Waske, Seth Xavier Waske, and Cydnee Jayde Waske. Bill is survived by his 4 siblings, Patricia (Jack) McLane of Port Huron, MI, Sharon (Richard) Varty, Charles (Faith) Phillips and Gary Bert (Dawn) Phillips of Croswell, MI. Bill is survived by many nieces, nephews, and loved ones. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, and his son Shaun Scott Phillips who passed away in 1984 A memorial service will be held Saturday, October 21, 2017, 11:00 A.M., at the Lexington United Methodist Church in Lexington, Michigan. Military rites by American Legion Post #255. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to United Hospice of Marlette or Air Force Aid Society (afas.org).

William L. Phillips

March 5, 1940 - October 11, 2017