William Green Phillips

William (“Bill”) Green Phillips died September 7. He was born on November 3, 1919 in Chattanooga, Ten-nessee to Mr. and Mrs. Samuel (Lucy Irene Green) Phillips. He lived in Chattanooga all of his life, and as a child gave his life to Jesus Christ. His mother died when he was 9 years old. He worked various jobs when he was a boy in order to buy books for school. Mr. Phillips graduated from Central High School, where he was involved in several activities including the Bible Club. After high school he joined the fledgling Redford Variety Stores as a store manager, and served several stores in the tri-state area. On September 8, 1940, he married Mildred Cobb of Chattanooga. During World War II he left Redfords to serve his country with distinction in the Coast Guard, both at home and abroad (on amphibious landing craft). After the war, he returned to Chattanooga and to Redford’s stores (which became a chain of 33 stores), where he worked for 48 years as a manager, supervisor, buyer, partner, and eventually President.

He was a member of Daytona Heights Baptist Church in Red Bank for over 50 years, serving as a deacon and Sunday School superintendent. In recent years he attended Rechoboth Baptist Church and Signal Mountain Bible Church. He had five interests in his life: his Savior, his family, his church, The Gideons International, and his business (where he worked with his much-loved brothers, Sam Phillips and Ed Phillips).

He will be missed for his sweet disposition, gracious spirit, kindness, wit, and his deep appreciation for the small blessings God brought his way every day.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 58 years, Mildred Cobb Phillips, his parents, and his brothers. Survivors include two children: daughter Irene (Don) Lasley; son Gary (Betsy) Phillips; five grand-children: David Phillips, Beth (Bill) Lewis, Rebecca (Steve) Forster, Harold Milligan, Donna Milligan; five nieces: Rickie Pierce, Wanda Booth, Charlene Beard, Linda Gluckswoki, Terri Phillips; and two great-grandchildren. His family also included Marty (Kelly) Lasley, Paul (Melanie) Lasley, Barry Lasley, and six great-grandchildren.

A funeral service will take place on Friday at 1:00 p.m. at the North Chapel, with Dr. W. Gary Phillips and Rev. Don Lasley officiating. Burial will be at Chattanooga Memorial Park.

The family will received friends at the funeral home Thursday, 6-8 p.m., and Friday, 12-1:00 p.m. Memorial contributions should be made to the Gideon’s International.

Arrangements are by Chattanooga Funeral Home Crematory and Florist, North Chapel. Share your thoughts and memories on line at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com.