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Phillip Williams Obituary
In 1943 he joined the Navy as a Sea-Bee and was stationed in the Philippines from 1944 through 1946. He received an Honorable Discharge and returned to Coolidge, Arizona where he opened his own diesel shop. It was in Coolidge that Phil met his Wife, Vera Irene Williams and they were married in 1948. In 1950 Phil and Vera moved to Phoenix, Arizona where Phil began working for Union Rock and Materials as their only mechanic and welder. Within two years, with only an eighth grade education, he had advanced to Shop Foreman and in 1956 Phil was named as the General Superintendent in charge of plants, equipment and maintenance. During his years in Phoenix, Phil was an active member and on the board of directors for the Phoenix JayCees, and both Phil and his wife, Vera were active in all of the community service programs provided by the Phoenix, Jaycees. Phil was named the 1965 Rodeo Chairman for the last outdoor rodeo held in Phoenix.
Phil had been named and served as a Vice President of Union Rock and Materials for a number of years when the opportunity came for him to purchase his own company in Yuma, Arizona. In 1973, Phil Williams purchased a small block manufacturing plant in Yuma, Best Block & Pipe, Inc. Beginning with one truck for deliveries, his fleet grew to 55 tractor-trailers by 2006. In 38 years Phil built the business into a successful multi-million dollar business. He branched out his businesses, buying Yuma Diesel Service, W&L, Inc. (aggregate pit), PLW Leasing, Inc., Best Block Trucking, LLC, and BB Cement & Pipe, LLC. Phil has been an active member of the Elks organization in Yuma, Arizona participating in many of the community services provided by the Elks. Phil Williams assisted numerous individuals and businesses throughout Yuma over the years whenever he heard they needed help. He was always a trusted friend, colleague, business associate, and employer.
Phil was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Vera Irene Williams; his parents, Reagon and Mary Williams of Globe, Arizona; brothers, Cecil Williams of Phoenix, Arizona and Harold Williams of Pahrump, Nevada.
Phil is survived by his children, Lenny Williams, Deena D. Williams-Clothier (Billy), Devin K. Williams (Rene), and Daughter-In-Law and dear friend, Beatrice (Beaty) McClaskey. He leaves six grandchildren, Regan, Aaron, Phillip, Autumn, Derek and Marissa and a great-granddaughter, Aspen.
Phil was a loving dedicated husband, father, brother, grandfather and friend. He was a key member of the Yuma business community. His laughter, smile, honesty and spirit will be greatly missed by all.
Viewing will be held Wednesday May 11, 2011 at Johnson Mortuary between 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Funeral services on Thursday May 12, 2011 at Johnson Mortuary at 10 a.m. The family requests all donations to be sent in Phil's name to Hospice of Yuma for their loving care of their father over the past six months.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Phillip Williams
Sponsored by Best Block Trucking, LLC.
Keith Parks
May 1, 2025
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Keith Parks
May 3, 2024
I was thinking about our deer hunting trip with Gerry Scott and had to chuckle once more. Perhaps it was a year ago I stopped by Gerry's place in Litchfield Park and got no response. I checked with the neighbors who were all new in the area. They said that they had never met Gerry. I tried to locate Gerry's sons Kyle n ? but didn't connect. Thought of Lennie and Scott's sons, kinda mischievous boys, ha!! Rest in peace ol' friend! I'll be catching up to you before long as I just celebrated birthday 89 but was told only the good die young - DEFINE YOUNG, HA!!!
Keith Parks
May 1, 2022
Phil, you did good - what a legacy - the last trip to Yuma I looked and couldn't find Jack/Rosie's place.
Deena Williams-Clothier
May 1, 2019
Hi Daddy; Well in four days we will reach the anniversary of your passing. Sadness. You are so missed. We fixed up the house the way you always said you wished you'd done it. You and Momma would love it. I sit now in the Gazebo and look out over the field for you and Lenny, imagining that you and momma and Lenny are all together again. I feel lost without all of you...I always said I could never imagine a world without any of you in it. But here I sit living in that world. I wish you were all here with me again. I love you.
Deena Williams Clothier
February 2, 2015
Hang in there kiddo. Things may seem overwhelming at times...and that is usually when I miss your Grandma and Grandpa the most. I could always call them or find them and talk with them whenever I couldn't take the world anymore. Now, I can only remember it and wish. Don't forget that you have other family here that love you and will be there for you to get you through what life brings in your path - just reach out to us. You are in my thoughts and I know Mom and Dad are watching over you every moment of every day.
January 30, 2015
Thank you. this ongoing memorial helps me when I miss him and Grandma the most. It helps me feel closer to them and to connect. He was such a great man and proof of how much you can accomplish with hard work and determination and a dream. And through it all always took care of family. thank you. I love you both
Deena Williams
June 1, 2014
Every time someone posts a message here, I learn something about my dad that I never knew. Aaron your post was so beautiful and so well spoken. Please know that Grandpa and Grandma loved you kids more than life itself. You were the lights in their lives. Whatever struggles you have in this life...know that they are there, walking beside you, watching over you. Everything my dad did in his life was for his family....for us...we were so blessed to have him in our lives. he knew how much you loved him and he knew we were all proud of him and what he had accomplished. I sat with him in those last days and talked to him....holding face and telling him how much we all loved him and what an amazing man he had lived his life to be. He knows Aaron....He knows
Aunt Deena
Aaron Williams
May 30, 2014
Hi Grandpa, I'm not really sure what to write. I miss you more than I can ever put into words, or express what you meant to me. When I joined the Army you told me you were proud of me, and when I got married, and again before I left for Iraq, (you called me twice in one day and told me you loved me and how proud you were). I don't think I ever told you how proud i was of you. What it meant for me to be your Grandson. All my adult life I asked myself; would this make Grandpa proud? would he approve? And I found that that small question before a large decision shaped my whole life, my career. Although living so far apart, and a man of few words, you were my biggest role model. You made your own way in life and had a code of conduct and morals few successful businessmen have, well trusted in the community and loved by your family. Even though your no longer with us here, you are with me everyday in my heart and on my mind. I know your in Heaven with Grandma smiling down on us, and before I make a decision I still ask myself would Grandpa approve? would he be proud of me? And in this way it also reminds me you are always with me.
I love you Grandpa, I am proud of you and all you accomplished in life. Your Legacy will live on as long as the Williams clan endures and we remember all you did for your family. Please give Grandma hugs and kisses from her Grandson and her two Great Grandchildren who will grow up knowing who both of you were and how much we loved you.
Love Aaron Williams
Deena
March 18, 2014
Dad; well, we are almost three years out...from when you left. Nothing is the same. How can it be? I believe you would be proud of us. You are missed every moment of every day.
Dad and Me on my wedding day overlooking the ocean at the Bluffs.
May 30, 2012
Hey Dad, It's been a year since you left us. You'd be so proud of us. Your trucks are still running and us kids are all getting along...a family...like you and Mom wanted. I miss you everyday...more than anyone will ever know. I pray each night that you and Mom are together watching over us. I love you. Deena
June 2, 2011
Lenny,Deena & Devin
You have my deepest sympathy in your sadness all the loving memeories live on forever I hope you can hold to the thought that a life lived with so much love never really ends but goes on forever in the hearts of those who remember.
Love, Bev Williams & My Dad Lewis
May 17, 2011
To All The Williams' Family:
It was with great sadness that we were told of the passing of Phil. His smiling
face will be forever in our memory. He was a very special person and we were so
lucky to have known him and shared time
with him. May all the loving memories
you have of him bring you peace in this
time of great sorrow. You are in our
prayers.
Love, Don & Jean Sundet
Larry & Martha Covarrubias
May 16, 2011
Lenny,Deena & Devin
You have our deepest condolences.
Your dad was a great man that will be missed.
May you remember the great memories at this difficult time.
May 14, 2011
Phil,
My friend, if I had my life to live over you would be my role model. Until we meet again,
Adios Amigo,
Keith
Lenny, Deena, Devin
May your memories of your Dad help to fill the void that he left behind. A love remembered is never lost.
With our love and sincere sympathy,
Keith and Sandra
Monica Neville
May 12, 2011
Dear Lenny, Deena & Devin -
So sorry to hear about your Dad - he was such a great guy and will be missed. I have wonderful memories of both of your parents and family when we lived on 40th Place and I used to play at your house with Deena so many years ago (that was such a fun house!!).
My thoughts are with all of you. Many blessings.
Love,
Monica Neville(Lawonn)
Cindy Naylor
May 12, 2011
On behalf of the former Phoenix Jaycees, Phil Williams did a great part in our history with the Rodeo of Rodeos! Those that came after him are truly greatful!
May 11, 2011
Phil was a kind, generous hard working man who became a success through his own efforts and determination. He was always a friend and available to all to help in any way he could without ever expecting anything in return except the satisfaction of knowing he was able to help anyone in need. He was a great friend of my family through the years and will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him. He and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Gene and Lisa Hebert
May 11, 2011
Phil will be remembered as a kind, generous, caring person who became the successful man he was throught his own efforts, hard work and dedication. He was always there giving to others, expecting nothing in return except the satisfaction of knowing he was able to be there for them. He was a wonderful family friend to us. Phil and your family are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Gene and Lisa Hebert
Alleynne Thompson
May 11, 2011
So sorry for the loss of your father,deepest sympathy.
Terry Myers
May 11, 2011
We are going to miss you my friend
If not for Phil we would not have made it
Terry & Toby Myers
Tom & Aimee Donaldson
May 10, 2011
Dear Williams Family,
We are extremely saddened by the loss of your father. He was a very special man and the room lite up when he walked in. He will be deeply missed by all. Unfortunately we are unable to attend but will be with you all in our thoughts and in prayers.
Many blessing during your difficlut time.
I am sure Dad is glad to see another familiar face.
Joe & Blanca Castillo
May 10, 2011
Our deepest sincere condolences to the family for the loss of a wonderful man. We will always miss him.
Carmen Green
May 9, 2011
I am honored to have known and learned from Phil and his daughter Deena. May family and friends find peace in this difficult time.
Jen Brown
May 8, 2011
Phil you were an amazing person and had a touching heart for many family and friends... you will be missed. Jennifer and Ray Brown, Lloyd Ruttan and Dawn Ruttan
Tammie Grimes
May 8, 2011
It was a honor to know Phil and to get to know the family . What a great family and you all did it his way and that is what made you all so special. Thank you for letting me in your home and to help you in this process. Thanks for who you are,,, God Bless you all and Hold you through this time of loss,,, Resting in Peace Phil.... We will see you again.. Thanks again Tammie
David Shireman
May 8, 2011
My sympathy goes out to the Williams family for their loss. I felt certain that this would never happen as he was a rock, always there and involved.
He loved some of the finer things in life such as fishing, hard work and making money - all of which he was good at.
I will suffer his loss as I celebrate his life - it was a full one.
John Boelhauf
May 8, 2011
Phil Williams was one of the finest men I have ever known...RIP
Devin Williams
May 8, 2011
We will all miss you dad.
deena williams-clothier
May 7, 2011
Dad will be missed by many. We hope to see those whose lives he touched over the years at his services where we will celebrate his life. I love you Dad.
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