Mr. William Phillips was born on July 19, 1933 to the late Mr. Wes White and Ms. Nell Phillips in Salem, Alabama. He received his GED in 1956. He also completed 3 weeks of CBR school.

Mr. Phillips enlisted in the United States Army in 1951 and completed 21 years, nine months and five days of service. While serving his country, he earned the Good Conduct Medal (5th Award), the National Defense Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Korean Service Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Purple Heart, the United Nations Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with 2 bronze stars, the Vietnam Campaign Medal and overseas service bars. He also served in the Vietnam War. He held jobs as a practical nurse and a medical specialist. After retiring from the military, Mr. Phillips was employed by the Anniston Army Depot from 1974 to 1996. His hobbies included the American Legion Post 312, the Masons,the  Amos T. Hall Military Lodge, St. Louis Missouri, the VFW, the Thomas A. Williams Elk Lodge #1668 and the Lucky 7. He was also fans of the San Francisco 49ers, the Giants and Alabama.

He departed his earthly life on Saturday, October 26, 2013 at Noland Healthcare Facility. He was called home to be with the Lord after 80 years of life. He was preceded in death by: his daughrers, Brenda Gail Phillips and Rosheena Kim Williams; his parents;and  his brother, Artie Phillips. He leaves to cherish his memories: his loving and devoted wife, Barbara Phillips; his daughters, Pamela (Chazz) Barclay, Shelia (Horace) Easley and Monique (Rashard) Welch, all of Anniston, Alabama; his sons, Eric F. Phillips, Alabaster, Alabama, Jeffrey (Carla) Phillips of Gadsden, Alabama, and Jeremy and Devondrick Williams of Anniston, Alabama; his sister, Mary Jo Ranson of Phenix City, Alabama; a special caregiver, Brenda Sue Nail; fifteen grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.