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Celebrating the life of
William Ernest "Billy" Phillips, Jr.
April 01, 1938 - May 16, 2019
Everyone who knew him will agree that “Big Billy” lived life to the fullest in everything he did and always did things his way and on his own terms. He had a kind, loving, and generous spirit and was known for sharing freely with others of his time and ma
William E. (“Billy”) Phillips, Jr., 81, of Savannah, GA, died peacefully Thursday, May 16, 2019. Billy was born April 1, 1938, in Savannah. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Edna Phillips, his beloved son, Chuck Phillips, his beloved grandson, Brian Parker, and his sisters, Betty Davis and Mildred Douglas.
Billy married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Marya Snell, in 1958. They were married for over 60 years and had a long and wonderful life together. His pride and joy were his four children (Chuck, Chris, Cathy, and Craig), whom he loved dearly. He is survived by his wife, Marya Snell Phillips, his sister and brother-in-law Carolyn and Tarver Edwards, his sister-in-law and brother-in-law Janice and Donald Goldberg, his daughter Cathy Parker (Pat), his sons Chris Phillips (Cindy) and Craig Phillips (Traci) and his grandchildren, Sarah Phillips, Elizabeth Broullire (Matt), Will Phillips, Emily Parker, Chas Phillips, and Connor Phillips, as well as many nephews, nieces, and cousins. He was also anxiously awaiting the birth of his first great-grandchild. Affectionately called “Dadoo”, he loved his grandchildren “The Most”.
Billy was a 1957 graduate of Commercial High School, where he excelled in football, basketball, and baseball, receiving all-state, all-region, and all-city honors in football and basketball, the Savannah News Press and Savannah Quarterback Club Lineman of the year awards, the Sears trophy as the most outstanding athlete in Savannah, and he played in the North/South All-Star game in Atlanta in 1957, among many other accolades as an outstanding all-around athlete. He played for his coach and life-long friend, M.A. Spellman.
Billy received a scholarship to play football at the University of Georgia, and he played on the 1957 UGA “Bullpups” team with teammates Fran Tarkenton, Pat Dye, and Bobby Walton. He caught the winning pass from Tarkenton to defeat the Georgia Tech freshman (13-7) at Grant Field in 1957. Billy was recognized for his lifelong athletic accomplishments and local sports involvement by his induction into the Greater Savannah Athletic Hall of Fame in 2014.
His love of sports and his involvement in local sports and athletics did not end in college. He officiated high school football, basketball, and baseball in Savannah for over 25 years and often recounted many of the great local athletes he officiated. He coached many little league sport teams for years, taking several teams to state championships. He also played local softball and basketball on such legendary teams as Barrett Oil, Thompsons Sporting Goods, and Kennedy Drug Co. He always had a true love for all local sports.
Billy had a long and successful career in the concrete business as the owner of Phillips Paving Company for over 40 years. One of his greatest passions in life was his involvement with the Alee Shrine Temple. He was a Past Potentate (1990) and a member of numerous Shrine units, clubs, and organizations over his many years as a Shriner, including the Jesters and the Mounted Patrol, Dune Cats, and Culinary Units, to name a few. He loved his Shriner Brothers and enjoyed spending time with them.
He also enjoyed his many years playing golf. He was a long-time member of the Savannah Golf Club, The Georgia Seniors Golf Association, and the local First Wednesday Group. He was also a proud member of the Cobra Club and The Survivor’s Club. He was also a long-time member of Isle of Hope Baptist Church. He was a true Christian who loved the Lord.
Everyone who knew him will agree that “Big Billy” lived life to the fullest in everything he did and always did things his way and on his own terms. He had a kind, loving, and generous spirit and was known for sharing freely with others of his time and many talents. He was a loving and great husband, father, grandfather and friend to so many and he will be deeply missed by all his family and friends. The family would like to give special thanks to those who provided such good care to him over the years, including Drs. Robert Brown, John Spellman and Eddie Whelan, and especially Carol(yn) Long.
Visitation: Friday, May 17, 2019, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at Fox & Weeks Funeral Home – Hodgson Chapel. Funeral Services: 10:00 a.m. Saturday, May 18, 2019, at Isle of Hope Baptist Church; service officiant will be his friend, Rev. Billy Miller. Interment: Forest Lawn Cemetery. Pallbearers are nephews Frank Douglas, Phil Douglas, Doug Edwards, Brian Edwards and Jeff Davis and Dr. Tim Spilliards. Honorary pallbearers are the members of the Alee Temple Dune Cat Unit. In lieu of flowers, remembrances can be made to The Chuck Phillips Memorial Scholarship Fund c/o Benedictine Military School, 6502 Seawright Drive, Savannah, GA 31406.
Dear Mrs. Marya, I was so sad to see that your beloved Billy had passed away. Our deepest condolences. I figure by now that he and my mother, Alicia Kelly McGrath, and her brothers, John and Gene Kelly, have all brought a little Irish to Heaven and teaching others how to do the Irish Jig! Much love, Debbie Rice Caldwell & Family
- Debbie Rice Caldwell, Indian Harbour Beach, FL
Dear Marya, Chris, Cathy, Craig and families, How saddened we were to learn of Billy's death. Jud and I were just talking about him and wondered how you were all doing. God has certainly welcomed a happy servant home. Our hearts and prayers are with you all at this most difficult time. Love and Grace, Juddy and Jane
- Jud-Jane Hamilton, Dublin, GA
So sorry to hear of Billy's death. I enjoyed knowing him in HIGH school. God Bless and be with Marya and the rest o0f his family during their time of grief. Love Beverly C.
- Beverly Lanier Cupstid, Marshall, N.C.
You will be sorely missed by your family, friends and golfing buddies. You did so much for so many for a very long time. Hope to meet up with again. May God be with you and your family forever.
- Bob Oetgen, Guyton, GA
I will always remember the good times I had playing basketball and softball with Big Billy. I will miss his big smile and love for life. God bless him and his family. We will see him later. Your cousin, "Little Billy Phillips.
- William Phillips, Pembroke Pines, Florida
I met Billy in 2004 when I joined the Shrine and the Dune cat unit ,I had the pleasure of helping on the culinary committees ,he was always kind and quick with a joke I will truly miss him.
- Terrell Nease , 118 usher place Rincon , Ga31326
So very sorry to hear of his passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
- Harold and Sheryl Showalter , Jacksonville , Fl
I am so very sorry to hear of his passing. We will keep you in our prayers!
- janet and Tim Mccarthy, savannah, ga
Dear Marya I am so sorry for your loss, I feel your grief. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. Remember grief is the price we pay for love ?
- Luree bonner, Thunderbolt,, Ga
Many good memories of Billy in sports and other activities. My thoughts go out to the family.
- Larry Von Dolteren, Jacksonville, Floeis
I’m SHS 55, loved him and played rounds of golf enjoying his fellowship ?
- Beacham Ansel, Franklin, Statesboro ,
We are sad at the passing of such a great soul from this world we could use many more like him. Kathy and I will be forever greatfull for having been a small part of his life just as he was a part of many many lives he brought joy to so many people so many things to say but words fail me now so i will say what Kathy and i are feeling we will allways love you and may you rest in peace. and my GOD guide your loved ones thru this trying time.
- WillIam Driggers Kathy Driggers, pooler, GA
Our sincere condolences to the Phillips family. Billy was a great friend to all he knew. He lived his life to the fullest and enjoyed it along the way. He will be missed.
- Mac & Brenda Salter, Savannah, GA
We will always remember Billy's big heart and smile. He was a family man and loved by so many. Our love and prayers go out to all of the Philips family.
- Sherri and Jeff Goodman, Savannah, GA
My prayers go out to all the Phillips family. I went to school with Marya & Billy. I am so sorry for your loss
- JoAnn Taylor Wallace, Savannah, Ga
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Billy was a "large man" in so many ways including all the of the good he did and the many friends he had. He will be missed by all.
- Herb Burnsed, Richmond Hill, Georgia
Billy was a special light in the world. You could just tell from the first moment you met him, he had a heart of gold. Being a newbie to the Shrine, he always made me feel welcome. Billy was a big man but his personality was even bigger. Rest In Peace my dear friend.
- Angie Briggs, Savannah, Ga
Your entire family is loved by the Saunders Family. The Savannah community lost a great man, and the Benedictine community lost a great friend. Love and prayers for your precious family ? Lori, Rick, Ryan, Matthew and Michael Saunders
- lori saunders, Savannah, GA
RIP Billy!...Rest easy friend. YOU WILL TRULY BE MISSED.
- Felicia Scott, SAVANNAH, GA
Our deepest condolences to Billy's family. Marya please accept our heartfelt sympathies on the loss of your loved one. When I think of Billy I always see his huge smile and laugh at our reunions. He will be surely missed.
- Kermit, Stockbridge, GA
Billy was one of a kind...will miss his sweet smile.
- Marsha Horne-Jones, Savannah, GA
Our condolences to the family. I grew up playing softball with "Big" Billy, and grew to know him as one of the best ballplayers during his playing years. He was one of the kindest, gentlest, and most gentlemanly man I ever knew. Pat and I always enjoyed our visits with him any time we were in his presence. May God's peace and comfort abound with his family and friends. Danny and Pat Jackson, Midway, Georgia
- Daniel D. "Scrappy" Jackson, Midway, GA
Billy and Mrs Phillips were great friends to my parents and family you are one that can't be replaced
- Jimmy Jaudon and family , Savannah , GA
Today Savannah lost a great man he was loving and caring to all who knew him he was one of the hardest workers the shrine had and was always there even if he was in pain if he knew you and you needed anything he made it happen he loved his wife kids and grandkids unconditionally and all his friends his saying was getting old is not for sissies and lord knows he was not a sissy I know he would want his brothers to work hard for the shrine he so dearly loved and his children to take good care of Marya and keep the family strong which I know they will but it will hard to not have big Billy he will always be in our heart and never forgotten love you Billy from glenda (sister)as you always said heaven received a great man and we lost a great man
- Glenda claxton, , Ga
DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY. THYE WORLD HAS LOST A SPECIAL LIGHT...A HUGE SMILE...A MAN THAT LOVED HELPING PEOPLE AND ESPECIALLY CHILDRREN. HE WILL BE MISSED.
- RUTH FINCHER, SAVANNAH, GA
Dear Mrs. Marya, I was so sad to see that your beloved Billy had passed away. Our deepest condolences. I figure by now that he and my mother, Alicia Kelly McGrath, and her brothers, John and Gene Kelly, have all brought a little Irish to Heaven and teaching others how to do the Irish Jig! Much love, Debbie Rice Caldwell & Family
- Debbie Rice Caldwell, Indian Harbour Beach, FL
A candle has been lit!
- Mal Wigley , Georg
A candle has been lit!
- Jud-Jane Hamilton , Georg
Dear Marya, Chris, Cathy, Craig and families, How saddened we were to learn of Billy's death. Jud and I were just talking about him and wondered how you were all doing. God has certainly welcomed a happy servant home. Our hearts and prayers are with you all at this most difficult time. Love and Grace, Juddy and Jane
- Jud-Jane Hamilton, Dublin, GA
So sorry to hear of Billy's death. I enjoyed knowing him in HIGH school. God Bless and be with Marya and the rest o0f his family during their time of grief. Love Beverly C.
- Beverly Lanier Cupstid, Marshall, N.C.
You will be sorely missed by your family, friends and golfing buddies. You did so much for so many for a very long time. Hope to meet up with again. May God be with you and your family forever.
- Bob Oetgen, Guyton, GA
I will always remember the good times I had playing basketball and softball with Big Billy. I will miss his big smile and love for life. God bless him and his family. We will see him later. Your cousin, "Little Billy Phillips.
- William Phillips, Pembroke Pines, Florida
I met Billy in 2004 when I joined the Shrine and the Dune cat unit ,I had the pleasure of helping on the culinary committees ,he was always kind and quick with a joke I will truly miss him.
- Terrell Nease , 118 usher place Rincon , Ga31326
So very sorry to hear of his passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
- Harold and Sheryl Showalter , Jacksonville , Fl
I am so very sorry to hear of his passing. We will keep you in our prayers!
- janet and Tim Mccarthy, savannah, ga
Dear Marya I am so sorry for your loss, I feel your grief. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. Remember grief is the price we pay for love ?
- Luree bonner, Thunderbolt,, Ga
Many good memories of Billy in sports and other activities. My thoughts go out to the family.
- Larry Von Dolteren, Jacksonville, Floeis
I’m SHS 55, loved him and played rounds of golf enjoying his fellowship ?
- Beacham Ansel, Franklin, Statesboro ,
We are sad at the passing of such a great soul from this world we could use many more like him. Kathy and I will be forever greatfull for having been a small part of his life just as he was a part of many many lives he brought joy to so many people so many things to say but words fail me now so i will say what Kathy and i are feeling we will allways love you and may you rest in peace. and my GOD guide your loved ones thru this trying time.
- WillIam Driggers Kathy Driggers, pooler, GA
Our sincere condolences to the Phillips family. Billy was a great friend to all he knew. He lived his life to the fullest and enjoyed it along the way. He will be missed.
- Mac & Brenda Salter, Savannah, GA
We will always remember Billy's big heart and smile. He was a family man and loved by so many. Our love and prayers go out to all of the Philips family.
- Sherri and Jeff Goodman, Savannah, GA
A candle has been lit!
- Gene Pickens , Georg
My prayers go out to all the Phillips family. I went to school with Marya & Billy. I am so sorry for your loss
- JoAnn Taylor Wallace, Savannah, Ga
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Billy was a "large man" in so many ways including all the of the good he did and the many friends he had. He will be missed by all.
- Herb Burnsed, Richmond Hill, Georgia
Billy was a special light in the world. You could just tell from the first moment you met him, he had a heart of gold. Being a newbie to the Shrine, he always made me feel welcome. Billy was a big man but his personality was even bigger. Rest In Peace my dear friend.
- Angie Briggs, Savannah, Ga
Your entire family is loved by the Saunders Family. The Savannah community lost a great man, and the Benedictine community lost a great friend. Love and prayers for your precious family ? Lori, Rick, Ryan, Matthew and Michael Saunders
- lori saunders, Savannah, GA
A candle has been lit!
- Angie Briggs , Georg
RIP Billy!...Rest easy friend. YOU WILL TRULY BE MISSED.
- Felicia Scott, SAVANNAH, GA
Our deepest condolences to Billy's family. Marya please accept our heartfelt sympathies on the loss of your loved one. When I think of Billy I always see his huge smile and laugh at our reunions. He will be surely missed.
- Kermit, Stockbridge, GA
Billy was one of a kind...will miss his sweet smile.
- Marsha Horne-Jones, Savannah, GA
Our condolences to the family. I grew up playing softball with "Big" Billy, and grew to know him as one of the best ballplayers during his playing years. He was one of the kindest, gentlest, and most gentlemanly man I ever knew. Pat and I always enjoyed our visits with him any time we were in his presence. May God's peace and comfort abound with his family and friends. Danny and Pat Jackson, Midway, Georgia
- Daniel D. "Scrappy" Jackson, Midway, GA
Billy and Mrs Phillips were great friends to my parents and family you are one that can't be replaced
- Jimmy Jaudon and family , Savannah , GA
Today Savannah lost a great man he was loving and caring to all who knew him he was one of the hardest workers the shrine had and was always there even if he was in pain if he knew you and you needed anything he made it happen he loved his wife kids and grandkids unconditionally and all his friends his saying was getting old is not for sissies and lord knows he was not a sissy I know he would want his brothers to work hard for the shrine he so dearly loved and his children to take good care of Marya and keep the family strong which I know they will but it will hard to not have big Billy he will always be in our heart and never forgotten love you Billy from glenda (sister)as you always said heaven received a great man and we lost a great man
- Glenda claxton, , Ga
A candle has been lit!
- Tommy Alford , Georg
DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY. THYE WORLD HAS LOST A SPECIAL LIGHT...A HUGE SMILE...A MAN THAT LOVED HELPING PEOPLE AND ESPECIALLY CHILDRREN. HE WILL BE MISSED.
- RUTH FINCHER, SAVANNAH, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200