William “Bill” Phillips of Newport, Arkansas, departed this life on Monday, Jan. 13, 2020, at the age of 98.
He was born Aug. 11, 1921, in Newport, the son of Lonnie and Louise Phillips of Newport.
Mr. Phillips married Miss Elizabeth “Bette” Phillips at the Army Airbase Chapel in Miami, Florida, on Sept. 6, 1945.
He joined the Air Corp at the age of 20, where he served for four years. Phillips returned to Arkansas to attend the University of Arkansas, where he obtained a BSA of Agriculture degree. Upon completion of his degree, he returned to the family farm, where he reorganized and increased production. Phillips then went to work for the Federal Land Bank of St. Louis, where he worked until his retirement. He was an excellent businessman and investor.
Phillips enjoyed golfing, his many friends, and spending time with his family.
He was preceded in death by his wife of sixty-six years, Bette Phillips; one brother, Dr. Jacob Phillips; and his parents.
Phillips is survived by one son, William “Schock” Phillips, and wife, Tammy; one daughter, Mary Lou Delcase and husband, Ron, Sr.; six grandchildren, Ashley Kieffer, Ronnie Delcase, Trey Tatum, Jennifer Abouzenad, Cody Phillips, and Ross Tatum; seven great-grandchildren; his sister-in-law, Carol Phillips of Fayetteville, Arkansas; and special friend, Jo Vest of Jonesboro.
Friends may visit at the funeral home, Wednesday, 5:00-7:00 p.m. Graveside services are 10:00 a.m. Thursday at Walnut Grove Cemetery.
Honorary pallbearers are Marvin Thaxton, Dr. John C. Wright, and John Minor.
Arrangements by Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home.
