Dr. William Kenneth Phillips, 77, of Collierville, TN devoted husband, father, and grandfather, peacefully joined his Lord and Savior on January 13, 2019. He is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Nancy Catherine Phillips; his daughters, Kimberly Ann Tobin (John Hilbert) of Rossville; Stephanie Phillips McGavic (Nick McGavic) of Collierville and grandchildren Catherine Ann and Nicholas McGavic; his sons, David Tobin of Memphis; and Glenn Phillips of Alpharetta, GA and grandchildren Marabella and Truman Phillips; his sisters Gerrie Weatherford (Wayne) Willows, CA and Joy Fuller (Jim) Fresno, CA. He was preceded in death by his parents Henry G. and Dolly Phillips of Kennett, MO.
Born in Deering, MO on December 31, 1941, Kenn grew up in Peach Orchard, MO. From 1966-1968 he served in the US Army with a tour of duty in Thailand where he received the Army Commendation Medal for exceptionally meritorious service. He attended college at Memphis State University (now University of Memphis) where he received his bachelor of science degree in 1969, a master of science degree in 1973, and his doctor of philosophy in 1978. He taught microbiology at Northwest Mississippi Community College and Memphis State University before beginning a career in business. He was director of research and development, quality assurance for Charms Company in Covington, TN and retired in 2011.
Kenn was a member and proud Evangelist for Community of Christ Church, Bartlett, TN, and he found special purpose for his life in bringing people to Jesus Christ by serving as pastor for many years and in hosting a prayer group that met in his home. The deep strength of his enduring, unshakeable faith infused his entire life by his service and example for others. His family remembers him especially as a person with the unique ability to build. It could be a computer or a model car, but most especially a strong foundation for the lives of his children in keeping with I Corinthians 3:10 - "By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder." It is that foundation of love, kindness, patience, humility, and selflessness that will comfort his family in the days to come.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 19, from 12 noon until 2 pm at Memphis Funeral Home, 5599 Poplar Avenue, Memphis with a service and celebration of his life immediately following visitation at 2 pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests any contributions be made in memory of Kenn to Methodist Transplant Institute, c/o Methodist Healthcare Foundation, P.O. Box 42048, Memphis, TN 38174.
