William (Billy) Lee Phillips, 69, walked through the pearly gates of heaven and kneeled at the feet of our Lord and Savior on April 13, 2020. He was surrounded by his family who are sad his presence is no longer here but he is rejoicing in the arms of Jesus, who has erased all of his pain after a courageous battle of lung and bone cancer that he fought tirelessly and bravely so this his wife, children and grandchildren could cherish every day with him!

Billy was the beloved son of the late Willie Caldwell Phillips and the late Lorenee Ingle Rhymer. He is survived by the love of his life, Carolyn Phillips, his loving daughter, Christy Phillips-Brown (Jason), of Charlotte, his loving son, Scott Phillips of Trinity, N.C., and his three grandchildren of whom he adored, Hailey, Hannah, and Seth

Phillips. He is also survived by his sister Ginger Phillips, sister-in-law, Nancy Phillips, and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers Cecil Phillips and Gary Phillips, and his sister Jean Phillips Davis.
He graduated from Cramerton High School.

He retired from Burlington Industries/Galey & Lord after 39 years service.

A private graveside service will be held at Gaston Memorial Park with Rev. Keith Phillips officiating.
Given the current situation, A Celebration of Life and Homegoing Service will be held at a later date so we can celebrate the special service he planned!

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to: Hospice of the Piedmont, 1801 Westchester Drive, High Point, North Carolina 27262 or Delta Zeta Foundation, 202 East Church St., Oxford, Ohio 45056.

Please go to www.withersandwhisenantfuneral.com for the complete obituary.

Withers and Whisenant Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 2916 Union Road, Gastonia, NC (704) 864-5144 is serving the Phillips family.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Gaston Gazette on Apr. 15, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Billy Phillips

Sponsored by Withers and Whisenant Funeral Home and Cremation Service - Gastonia.

9 Entries

Sara Purnell

April 20, 2020

I'm so sorry for your loss. Billy was an awesome man! I always enjoyed being in his company. Hailey is my daughter (Billy's granddaughter) and I know she loved him with all of her heart. My heart goes out to the family during this difficult time. You will be missed Billy and your family is in my prayers.

Kim Norris

April 18, 2020

So sorry you lost Billy so soon. I loved being one of his friends at CHS. He taught my mom how to drive! We all grew up at a wonderful time with lots of wonderful friends

Shika Raynor

April 18, 2020

My deepest condolences to the family. May the memories of Billy bring you peace in the days ahead.

Donna Aldridge (Quick)

April 17, 2020

I'm so sorry for your loss. Billy was a great guy and always had a smile. Sending love to his family.

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Jack Thomas

April 15, 2020

I met Billy in the mid 70's at the W.G. PLANT in Camerton NC He was my supervisor in SCHEDULING/PLANNING Department. He had a very good memory, could call him any time of night and ask where a box of cloth was located and he would be able to tell me. Later in years we worked togetherj again at the GALEY/LORD PLANT in Society Hill SC. Last few times I saw him he was working at K-MART in Florence SC. Billy was a friendly person and always showed me respect. May the Lord give the family strength and continue blessing you and keep you together

Danny Myers

April 14, 2020

I knew Billy from working with him at Galey & Lord. I knew him for many years and he was always a positive and funny person. I was a computer programmer for G&L and we used to joke about Billy that if there was a way to "stump" the computer, he would find a way. In the programming department we would say that we had to "Billy Proof" any programs that we wrote for the computer. He was a great guy. He always called me "Danny Boy" when he saw me. I did not know about his illness. I left Galey & Lord in 2010 and lost contact with most of my coworkers including Billy. My sincere condolences to his family and may God wrap His loving arms around all of you and give you a peace and comfort that only He can. I look forward to seeing Billy again over on the other side!

Lolita Sherer

April 13, 2020

So sorry for your loss -grew up in West Cramerton with Billy-Nancy is my cousin-thoughts and prayers for all families

Ginger Phillips-McCulloch

April 13, 2020

I will truly miss you!!! I love you and will never forget you! You're the best brother anyone could have and I'm extremely lucky you were mine!!

Donny Fletcher

April 13, 2020

A fond farewell to my friend Billy Phillips.
You will be missed but it helps knowing you are now at home in Heaven.

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