of Harrison, AR

March 3, 1942 - March 11, 2026

William Henry Phillips, known to many as Billy-Pat or Bill, but best known as Dad and Papaw, passed away on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at Brookridge Cove Rehabilitation and Care Center in Morrilton, Arkansas, at the age of 84.

Bill was born on March 3, 1942, to Doy and Inez (Brown) Phillips in a house above Diamond Cave near Parthenon, Arkansas. He graduated from Jasper High School in 1959.

Bill met and fell in love with Mardel Ply in October of 1970, and the two were married on December 22, 1970. For more than 55 years, Dad loved and cared for Mom. Even during the last eight months of his life, his thoughts remained focused on making sure she was taken care of. They lived in Pyatt from 1970 until the summer of 1988, when they moved to Jasper. In 2007, they moved to Harrison.

Bill worked for the Arkansas Highway Department for more than 30 years, retiring in 1995 as the Area Foreman for Newton County. After retirement, he enjoyed tending his garden, working around the family's 10 acres clearing and caring for the mountain, watching Razorback sports and St. Louis Cardinals baseball, and most of all spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He also served on the school boards at both Bruno-Pyatt and Jasper. Bill was a member of the Capps Road Church of Christ.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Doy and Inez Phillips, and his brother, Donald Phillips.

Bill is survived by his loving wife, Mardel (Ply) Phillips; his sons, Keith Phillips and wife Blanca, and Jodi Phillips and wife Beth; and his grandchildren, Nick and his wife Jasmine, Zack, Isabela, Kaleigh, Sadie, Carter, and Tucker Phillips.

He is also survived by his nieces and nephews: Jerry Don and Mindi Phillips; Debra and Brian Ward; Diana and Randy Eads; Tiffani and Jonathan Hash; and Marcus and Jess Emerson; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Bruce and Demetra Emerson; his sister-in-law, Carolyn Phillips; and a host of extended family members and friends too numerous to mention.

Visitation will be Friday, March 13, 2026, 6:00-8:00 PM at Roller-Christeson Funeral Home.

Funeral service will Saturday, March 14, 2026, 10:00 AM at Roller-Christeson Funeral Home with Norman Sewell and Tanner Campbell officiating.

Pallbearers are Mickey Malone, Roy Brasel, Orvin Hightower, Ross Street, Nick Phillips, Zack Phillips, Carter Phillips and Tucker Phillips.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Christeson Funeral Home
519 North Spring Street
Harrison, AR  72601
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com