Bill E. Phillips, Sr. was born September 4, 1937, to William A. and Annie G. (Black) Phillips, in Okfuskee, Oklahoma. He departed this life on August 30, 2024, at the age of 86 years.

Bill was raised in Okmulgee, graduating from Okmulgee High School with the class of 1955. Following graduation, Bill moved to Cushing. He was united in marriage to Shirley Burgess at Shirley's parents' home in Terlton, Oklahoma on January 9, 1960; the couple had been married over 64 years.

Earlier years when health was better, they planted gardens; flowers and vegetables, such as okra, tomatoes, lettuce, carrots, potatoes, squash, beets, etc. and gave away more than they used. In the 50's and 60's, he had awards for superior sales, auto related. In the 60's and 70's, Bill built engines for other people and for his ¼ mile drag race cars. In the 90's, he built early cameros and trailered Starbird car shows. He had 30 trophies for race and car shows.

He was an officer, trustee and the Elks Lodge Entertainment Chairman. He was member no 69, charter member, 25 years in 2010 in the Cushing Drumright Elks Lodge #2712, since 1985. He was a member of Cushing Jaycees, Cushing Chamber of Commerce, also Drumright, Bristow and Stillwater. In his later years, Bill was known as PaPa to all the child care kids.

Survivors include his wife, Shirley, of the home; children, Susan Todd and husband, Rusty, of Cushing and Billy Phillips, Jr. and wife, Sherry Maroutsos-Phillips, of Perkins; grandchildren, Jacob Todd and wife, Jessica, Tasha Horlacher and husband, David, Jordan Robinson and husband, Derek, Josh Phillips and wife, Cherity, Dustin Collins, Tucker Phillips and Tyler Phillips; great-grandchildren, Jaxon Todd, Jase Todd, Rennick Horlacher, Ryliegh Jo Horlacher, Rhyett Robinson, Rager Robinson, Bobby Phillips, Kambrey Phillips, Bodey Phillips, Zane Collins and Forrest Maroutsos; many other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his siblings, Howard Phillips, Ancil Shelton, Jewel Cox, Jim Phillips, John Phillips, Sue Haney and Emma Jackson.

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 5, 2024 in the Church of Christ. Burial will follow in the Woodland Cemetery in Cleveland.

The family will greet friends on Wednesday evening from 5 -7 in the family center.