William P. Phillips

William P. Phillips (Daddy Bill, Supe, Bill) died on April 25, 2018 from complications of Parkinson’s Disease. Mr. Phillips was born August 1, 1928 in Birmingham, AL to Margaret Neill Phillips and Pinkney Goodwin (P.G.) Phillips. He is preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Margaret Phillips Saeger.

Mr. Phillips is survived by his wife of sixty-six years, Marion McCoy Phillips (Mama Bear), daughter Cindy Kirkpatrick Cloyd (Jeb), son Bill Phillips (Becky), and son Richie Phillips (Gloria). “Daddy Bill” sat on a lot of benches watching his seven grandchildren play all manner of sports: Scott Kirkpatrick, Neil Kirkpatrick, Curt Phillips (Lacey), Bradley Phillips (MaryAnne), Cade Phillips, Catherine Phillips, and Blake Phillips. He is also survived by five great-grandchildren: Will, John Pierce and Grace Kirkpatrick, Addison Phillips, and Anne Russell Phillips. After graduating from Phillips High School and Birmingham-Southern College, Mr. Phillips enlisted in the Air Force where he was stationed at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, MS (making long, weekend drives on two-lane roads to Birmingham to date the love of his life, Marion). After their wedding on December 22, 1951, Marion joined Bill in Biloxi. Upon completion of his military service, the Phillips returned to Birmingham and, along with Bill’s father, started Phillips Brokerage Company, representing food manufacturers in southeast grocery markets. Highly regarded in the grocery industry as an ethical, hardworking man of his word, Mr. Phillips served as President of the National Food Brokers Association and served on numerous Advisory Boards of national food companies. Always generous with his time and talents, for many years Mr. Phillips was President of the Vestavia Hills Little League programs, Wald Park Swim League, Methodist Children’s Home Board of Directors, Phillips Memorial Lodge 832 F&A.M., and as Chairman of the Executive Board at Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church. After retirement, Mr. Phillips volunteered at numerous organizations. He served on the Board and as a volunteer at the Crisis Center where he spearheaded the Capital Campaign for development of Piper Place, an adult day care center. He volunteered at SCORE (a national network of business mentors advising small businesses and entrepreneurs), Meals On Wheels and served on the Camp Winnataska Board of Directors. In his spare time, he enjoyed playing golf at Vestavia Country Club and his beloved Shoal Creek Country Club. The family would like to acknowledge and thank our dear caregivers, Lawon Layfield, Renardia Scott, Loretta Carter, Elizabeth Scott, Alexis Pickens and Amedisys Hospice.

Following internment at a family graveside service, a memorial service will be held in the Sanctuary of Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church on Monday, April 30, 2018 at 12:00 noon with visitation immediately afterward. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Camp Winnataska, P.O. Box 59667, Birmingham, AL 35259 or Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church, 2061 Kentucky Avenue, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216