William E. "Buddy" Phillips Jr.

William E. "Buddy" Phillips, Jr., age 92 of Corryton, Tennessee passed away peacefully Monday, April 7, 2025. He served in the US Army, and was in combat in the Korean War from 1952 until 1955. Buddy was fortunate to travel to Washington D.C. on the HonorAir Flight to see the Veteran Memorials. He worked for Southern Railway/Norfolk Southern Railway 40 plus years and retired in 1994. During this period, he also had a wrought iron business and enjoyed welding. After retirement, Buddy worked for Peterbilt Trucking. He loved mowing the yard, working on the farm, and visiting his many friends at Applebees. He made friends wherever he went. In his earlier days, a big part of his life was spending time on Norris Lake, Daytona Beach and riding motorcycles. Buddy was a member of the Corryton Masonic Lodge, the Order of the Eastern Star, and a Shriner in the Legion of Honor where he was a member of the Color Guard Unit.
Buddy was preceded in death by his parents, William E. Philips, Sr. and Jennie Bell Phillips; brother, James (Jim) D. Phillips; and sister-in-law, Thelma Phillips.
His survivors include: wife, Donna Phillips; daughters, Kimberly (Randy) Baker, Kandi Bailey, Felicia (Chris) Miles; and son, Brian Phillips; grandchildren, Lance (Ansley) Baker, Logan (Lauren) Baker, Kendel Bailey, Kody Bailey, Sarah Skidmore, Makenzie LeBlanc, Jacob Phillips, and Aeslyn Miles; and great-granddaughter, Hadley Baker.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children, https://www.shrinerschildrens.org/en/ways-to-give?campaign=655734, Shriners Children's, Corporate Headquarters, 2900 N. Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL, 33607.
The family will receive friends from 1PM to 2PM on Monday, April 14, 2025, at Stevens Mortuary with a Masonic Service and funeral service to follow at 2PM. Officiating the funeral service will be Pastor Mike Lee. A procession led by the Patriot Guard Riders will follow the service to Little Flat Creek Cemetery, Corryton, for a 3:30PM Military Graveside Service and Interment. Anyone wishing to ride must stage no later than 12:15PM at Stevens Mortuary. Military Honors will be provided by the Volunteer State Veterans Honor Guard and the Tennessee Army National Guard.
Pallbearers: Kendel and Kody Bailey, Randy Baker, Darrell and Danny Phillips
Stevens Mortuary, Oglewood Avenue at N. Broadway is serving the family of Mr. Phillips.