William E. ‘Mr. Bill’ Phillips, 86, went home to his lord on Friday, November 13, 2015 at his home in Barryton.
Bill was born on August 8, 1929 in Mason, MI to Ralph and Vera (Dean) Phillips. He attended Kalkaska High School until the age of 16 when he entered the work force and forged the year of his birth to 1927.
Phillips was employed by GM in the skilled trades and was a Union negotiator. He retired in 1978 and moved to Barryton. While residing in Lansing, Phillips served on the Lansing Twp. Fire Dept. and was a former Chief at Winchester Fire Dept.
Phillips played softball with the National Die Sinkers Team, earned his golden gloves in boxing, enjoyed golfing and golfed with Arnold Palmer, and was an avid bowler for 60 years. When Phillips was 65 he rolled his first 300 game in Evart, MI. He owned and trained harness horses for 27 years and was a member of the Michigan Harness Assoc. and the National Harness Racing Assoc. Phillips was employed as a bus driver for the Chippewa Hills School District for 22 years. Phillips was a 43-year member of the Eagles Aerie 1039 in Lansing and couldn't resist following the Detroit Tigers.
Phillips married Pam Bailey on December 16, 2004 at the Barryton Church of God and together owned and operated Barryton Hardware for seven years, closing the store in 2011. Phillips and Pam were currently attending the Wheatland Church of Christ.
Bill is survived by his loving wife Pam; six children, William (Marilyn) Phillips, Cindy Phillips, Jeffrey Phillips, Billie Jean (John) Turner; Stacie (Micah) Bretzinger, Jennifer (Billy) Johnson; four siblings, John, Stan (Dot), Don (Shirley), Elmer (Jean); 31 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, his beloved in-laws Ralph and Cecelia Hetherington and many nieces, nephews and close friends who will continue to treasure the memories they have.
Phillips’ parents, two wives, siblings: Ron, Ralph and Hilda Goulding all preceded Bill in death.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, November 19, 2015 at the Daggett Funeral Home in Barryton with Pastor JD Saunders officiating. The family will greet friends from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 18 and two hours prior to services on Thursday at the Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions in Bill’s name can be made to the family. Share a memory online at daggettgilbertfuneralhome.com
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of William ‘Mr. Bill’ Phillips.
(USTA)