Dates
Homer Wilburn "Bill" Phillips passed into the loving arms of his Savior on January 9, 2025. He was 96 years old. Bill was born on September 17, 1928 in Abilene,TX to parents Minnie Maudeen and William Adra Phillips. He had been a resident of San Angelo for 51 years.
Bill grew up in Abilene, TX. After a short stint in the United States Marine Corps, he joined the US Navy at the tender age of 17. He served for 20 years in active duty and 10 years in the Naval Reserves. During his time in the Navy, he got his GED and learned skills such as aircraft mechanics that would serve him in later years of employment. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War. Chief Petty Officer "Wild Bill" Phillips, as he was called, traveled to places such as Kodiak, Alaska, and his many adventures were shared with his family, much to their delight. After his honorable discharge from military service, Bill lived in Bedford, TX and worked at LTV, where he worked on and inspected helicopters and aircraft. After moving to San Angelo, Bill worked at the former Mitsubishi Aircraft as a mechanic before becoming a quality assurance inspector at Ethicon, where he remained for 15 years. He had a thirst for knowledge and loved to read and teach himself new skills, which he often became proficient at.
Bill had two previous marriages before marrying the love of his life, Laurie Hope Pearson, on December 9, 1989. They fell in love while attending the same Sunday School, and made Christ the head of their relationship. They loved going to church together, and serving their community, church family, and the Lord. They are members of Calvary Baptist Church in San Angelo. Bill was a loving husband to Laurie and they enjoyed 35 beautiful years of marriage and happy memories. He is the father of three children, Randy, Meagan, and John, and grandfather to four grandchildren. He had a great love for the Lord and cherished His Word, memorizing numerous Bible quotes that he loved to share with his family and others. He enjoyed working outside in the yard, spending time with his family, reading the Bible, church activities, and hanging out with his kitty, Hobo.
Bill is survived by his loving spouse, Laurie, of San Angelo; children Randy (Lucy) Phillips of Dallas, TX, Meagan Dekkar of Lansdale, PA, and John (Jennifer) Phillips of Royse City, TX; grandchildren Krista Yeakey of Seagoville, TX, Alana Medina of Lansdale, PA, Matthew Phillips of Royse City, TX, and Philip "Bubba" Walker of Georgia; many friends and church family, and beloved kitty, Hobo. He is predeceased by his parents, Minnie Maudine Knapp and William Adra Phillips; his siblings, Ruby Mae, Otis, Ophelia “Pat”, Samuel Preston “Pete”, Adra William, and Milburn Curtis.
Arrangements have been made with Harper Funeral Home in San Angelo, TX. A viewing will be held at the funeral home on January 13, 2025 from 5 PM to 7 PM- friends and family are encouraged to attend. A memorial service will be held on January 14, 2025 at Calvary Baptist Church in San Angelo. The service will begin at 11 am and will be officiated by Pastor Bobby Roger and Associate Pastor Jamie Rouse.
The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and assistants who cared for Bill at Shannon Hospital and Regency House; Hospice of San Angelo; and special thanks go out to Bill and Laurie's church family at Calvary Baptist for their love and support at this difficult time.
Fair seas and following winds, Bill….we love you so much and will miss you greatly.
Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.
John 11:25-26