Billy Hosie Phillips

Billy Hosie Phillips, age 85, was born Dec. 16, 1925, in Aliceville, Ala. A longtime resident of Clearview Hills in Cottondale, he went home to be with the Lord March 24, 2011. Visitation will be held 1 p.m. Saturday at Memory Chapel Funeral Home, a Dignity Memorial Provider, with a funeral service celebrating his life to follow at 2. Rev. Rick Davis and Rev. Jim Roberts will be officiating. Special music will be provided by Marshall Hutchins.

Known as "Great PaPa" to his family, Billy Phillips was an active member and lifetime Deacon of South Highland Baptist Church in Tuscaloosa. "Mr. Bill" was involved in many facets of church life, including singing in the choir, teaching youth, working in Vacation Bible School, participating in Disaster Relief, ministering to the homebound, and engaging in mission projects across the Southeast. In 1993, he received the Tuscaloosa County Baptist Association "Man of the Year" award.

Mr. Phillips worked for Meadow Gold Dairy for 32 years and was named a member of the company's "Presidential Honor Club" for outstanding service. He retired on July 1, 1983, then later worked as a night security officer for Phifer Wire. A United States Army Veteran of World War II, Billy Phillips served with the 58th Armored Infantry Battalion in Central Europe. He was awarded the Bronze Star medal for heroic service against the enemy while in Holland.

A devoted father and sports enthusiast, Billy enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting, and supporting the University of Alabama football team.

Mr. Phillips was preceded in death by his wife, Gladys McDaniel Phillips; parents, Hosie Phillips and Lizzie Brooks Phillips; sisters, Anna Turnipseed, Edna Earl Knox, Jean Bonneville, and Louise Jones; and a brother, Jack Phillips.

He is survived by a sister, Ruth Mobley of Hoover; brother, Tommy Phillips of Carrollton; daughters, Wanda Smith (J.B.) of Alabaster and Karen Chandler (Tony) of Cottondale; a son, Billy D. Phillips (Kay) of Tuscaloosa; wife, Bertie Phillips of Aliceville; granddaughters, Shana Jones (Johnny Mack) of Tuscaloosa and Nikki Melton (Gerald) of Coker; and grandsons, Jason Smith (Kimberly) of Collinsville, Miss., Josh Chandler, and Jacob Chandler (Amanda) of Cottondale. Great-grandchildren include Anna, Gracie, and Johndavid Melton; Avery and Mack Jones; Carson Smith; and Jac and Jon Chandler.

The family wishes to express its warmest appreciation to the staffs of Forest Manor in Northport and Hospice of West Alabama for their support, kindness, and compassion for Mr. Phillips. We would also wish to recognize the devoted care and exceptional love shown by Mary Hyche from the nursing staff of Merrill Gardens in Northport.