William Phillips

William Ramsey Phillips

1996 - 2025

William Ramsey Phillips, age 29 of Tampa, FL, passed away on Sunday, August 10, 2025.

He was the beloved son of Tamara A. Phillips and R. Lee Phillips of Tampa. The family is deeply saddened and shocked by his sudden death. William was a devoted husband and father who was known for his infectious smile, his enthusiastic disposition and his kindness which he shared with everyone who knew him.

William was born on January 5th, 1996, in Tampa, FL. A graduate of the University of Central Florida, William taught history at Jefferson High School at the time of his passing. Raised in South Tampa, William attended Dale Mabry Elementary School, Coleman Middle School and graduated from H.B. Plant High in School in 2014. William achieved the rank of 'Life' and served as the Senior Patrol Leader for Troop 53, Boy Scouts of America. At Plant High School, William excelled as a 400m track athlete where he was an integral member of the 4x400m Relay Team who solidified Plant's Track Team as the Class 4A Hillsborough County, District VI, and Region II Champions. A lover of music, William was an accomplished acoustic guitar player and while in high school, he used his knowledge and talent to do what he loved most, teaching. He enjoyed providing beginning guitar lessons to students of all ages during this time. As a young professional, William enjoyed leading the Serengeti Safari Tours at Bush Gardens in Tampa where he often spoke of the bonds he formed with the various animals on the tour. William was always a history enthusiast and was proud to be a sixth-generation Floridian. Two of William's forefathers, (W.T. Collier and Zephaniah Phillips) were Florida Pioneers in the 1800's.

William was an extremely loving, kind, caring and responsible 'Big Brother' to Walker and Caroline who was in constant pursuit of teaching his siblings. They often joked after William became a father that he's always been a father in so many ways. He enjoyed imparting his wisdom even if that knowledge was recently acquired. All those who knew William will remember his smile and his gift for spreading love and kindness to everyone he encountered.

William is survived by his wife Amanda Abrams Phillips, his son Henry Levi Phillips, his brother Walker Lee Phillips, his sister Caroline Elizabeth Phillips. His parents Tamara A. Phillips, R. Lee Phillips and Stacy Ryan. His Grandmothers Harriett R. Phillips, Caroline Akers and Father in Laws George Abrams and Rich Lufkin.

William was predeceased by his Grandfathers Ronald L. Akers of Gainesville, FL, James C. Phillips, M.D. of Tampa, FL and his Uncle Ron Akers, Jr.

His memory lives on with his extended family; James C. Phillips Jr., John and Chris Phillips, Judy and Julian Graham, Debbie Phillips, Levi and Brandy Akers, Melissa and Jeff Bogner, Matthew and Amy Phillips, Lindsey Phillips, Julia Phillips, Charlotte Bogner, Bennett Bogner, Annabelle Bogner, Mason Phillips, Elizabeth Phillips, Lynn Timberlake and Jim Sibley, Asia Akers, Jair Akers, Arjay Akers, Sharon Phillips and Matthew Abrams.

A private family service will be held to celebrate William's life.

In lieu of flowers or food, consider donating to this fund (https://gofund.me/ec707921) to help make Amanda and Henry's life a little easier as they try to move forward.