Obituary: William Phillips

William Albert Phillips, age 94, passed away peacefully in his home, in Oxford, Ohio, on the morning of Dec. 3.

Albert was born April 7, 1930, in Three Links, Kentucky, the son of John and Grace Phillips. In 1951, Albert joined the United States Air Force and was stationed in Bermuda Island. After an honourable discharge in 1954, Albert moved to Ohio and married Gladys Bowling on Nov. 19, 1955, the two of them raising three children in Oxford. Albert and Gladys became passionate about the ministry of evangelism and singing, and Albert was a preacher for nearly 60 years, preaching his last sermon just two weeks before his death.

In 1964, Albert opened a restaurant on Highway 27, on the west side of town: Phillips 27 Restaurant, which was a successful business and town staple for over 40 years. He also owned and managed several small farms with his wife Gladys and considered farming to be one of his most enjoyable hobbies.

In 2004, Oxford Mayor Jerome Conley declared Dec. 30 to be “William Albert Phillips Day” to recognize and honour Albert’s many contributions to the community.

Albert is survived by his loving wife Gladys, his children Wayne (Diana) Phillips, Ronnie Phillips and special friend Marty, and Daisy (Johnny) Combs; his grandchildren Kristina (Houston) Marcum, Aaron (Amanda) Phillips, Ronald (Lupita) Phillips, Matthew Phillips, and Kimberly (Tyler) Nichting; great grandchildren Hannah (Justin) Boggs, Hayden Marcum, Jett Phillips, Ike Phillips, Presley Phillips, Ragnar Phillips, Riyah Nichting and Tyler Nichting;  sister Pat (Keith) Kincer.

He was preceded in death by his parents John and Grace, and siblings  Lula, Edna, John-Luther, Clarence, Ruby, Donald and Lorena.

This obituary was originally published on the website of Paul R. Young Funeral Home.