Bill Phillips

William H. “Bill” Phillips, passed away in his sleep on March 17, 2018.  He will be remembered for his enjoyment of life (all 97 years!); his delight and generosity to his friends and family; his passion for the love of his life, his wife Lucy Lingo Phillips; his joy of dancing, especially square dancing; his kind and trusting spirit; his enthusiasm for traveling nationally and internationally; his devotion to his faith; and his dedicated work ethic in both business, and serving his community.

Bill was a native of the Eastern Shore of Virginia.  Born in Melfa, VA, he attended Onancock High School; and served in the U. S. Army during World War II from 1940 – 46, stationed in France and Germany.  The majority of his life was spent in his beloved Onancock, VA.

After returning from the war in 1946, Bill re-joined his brother, Custis, in the bakery business in Onancock on Main Street.  The bakery business was in his blood, and he had bakeries in both Onancock and Parksley, VA, and even a bakery section in his Western Auto Store in Parksley.  His dream came true in 1980, when he opened the Corner Bakery in Onancock.  His dedication of getting up at 2:00 am for 20 years paid off.  He brought thousands of smiles to children and adults with his cream puffs, cinnamon twists, doughnuts, and sweet potato biscuits.

Bill’s love for his community was displayed in his dedicated involvement in the Onancock Lions Club, serving in many roles, including President.  He was also involved with the International Lions Club, and the Veterans for Foreign Wars.

It was important for Bill to participate in the sacraments, and to worship God.  In 1946, he and Lucy were married in St. George’s Episcopal Church in Pungoteague, VA.  He became a very active member of St. George’s, and held past positions of Senior Warden, Treasurer, and Search Committee Chairman.  In his later years, he was welcomed, and enjoyed fellowship, at Drummondtown United Methodist Church and Baptist Bible Church, both in Accomac, VA.

Bill loved to travel!  He especially loved going to baseball games, and supported the Shorebirds team in Salisbury, MD.  In his younger years, he coached many little league players.  He loved dining out, eating clam fritters, and he loved the chicken and dumplings at Cracker Barrel.  He was a meticulous bookkeeper, and his interest in details, especially at the Corner Bakery where he was still a daily visitor, remained with him throughout his life.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Lucy LeCato Lingo Phillips; his parents, Minnie Viola White Phillips and Vernon Watson Phillips; his brothers, Custis, Elmer, and Bobby Phillips; his sisters, Lottie Mancuso, Ellen Adams, and Gladys Davis; and his brothers-in-law, J. B. Lingo and Dr. John Kellam Lingo.

He is survived by many friends, nieces, and nephew, who will miss this jewel of a man.  A simple man with a big heart.  A man with a depth of character, kindness, and humility, with a twinkle in his eye, always ready for a new adventure.

On Friday, March 23, 2018, his life will be celebrated with a funeral at St. George’s Episcopal Church in Pungoteague, at 2:00 p.m.  A reception will follow in the Parish House.  A private family interment with military honors, will be held at Fairview Lawn Cemetery in Onancock.

The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Bill’s honor, to the Onancock Lions Club, c/o Ridgway Dunton, P.O. Box 519, Onancock, VA  23417.

Memory tributes may be shared with the family at www.williamsfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements by the Williams-Onancock Funeral Home.

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