Billy Lee Phifer

Bill Lee Phifer was born on the dairy farm on March 26, 1927, to Madelyn and Lester Phifer. The oldest of three children, Bill attended school in a one room school house, and walked to and from school everyday. If he is to be believed, it was two miles to school and back, and both ways were uphill!

After graduating from Murphysboro High School in 1944, Bill entered the Navy in 1945, and was sworn in at Springfield, Illinois before heading to boot camp at Naval Station Great lakes. In August 1946, Bill was honorably discharged from the Navy, and headed home to Murphysboro.

With help from the G.I. Bill, Bill entered Southern Illinois University - Carbondale in 1946, and graduated with a BSBA in August, 1949. He was a member of the Chi Delta Chi (now Phi Kappa Tau) fraternity while at SIU.

After graduation, Bill was hired by Limerick Finance, which later became Credit Thrift Financial Corporation, and then became a subsidiary of American General Insurance. Bill worked his way up the corporate ladder over a 42 year career. When he retired in 1992, he was President of Public Affairs.

In 1951, Bill and Idella Tackett met on a blind date. In November, 1951, they were married in a small civil ceremony, and in 1952 on their first wedding anniversary, Katherine (Kathy) was born, followed in 1955 by Elizabeth (Beth), and in 1959 by Ruth (Ruthi).

Bill was active in Disciples of Christ churches in the cities in which they lived, and he served on church boards, and as a Deacon and an Elder throughout a majority of his adult life. Bill had a strong faith, and read his Bible daily.

He and Idella enjoyed traveling, dining out with friends and family, and playing golf (though Bill rarely scored below 100). Idella even tried improving his golf game, with custom-made clubs, but it was not meant to be.

Bill is survived by Idella, his wife of 71 years, daughters Katherine Phifer Shoemaker, Elizabeth L. Phifer, grandchildren Morgan C. Shoemaker and Elena M. Phifer, and great grandson Shayne C. Shoemaker, his 91 year old brother, Bud Phifer, and many nieces and nephews. A celebration of Bill's life will take place at Elizabeth's home in October, 2022. In lieu of flowers, please make donation to a charity of your choice.

Bill Lee Phifer, age 95, of Dallas, Texas passed away on Tuesday, October 25, 2022.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.teddickeywestfuneral.com for the Phifer family.