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.
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11 Condolence(s)
Tommy and Beverly Stokes
Monday, March 16, 2026
So sorry! Wish we had know sooner. He was such a good man.
Kenny Riley
Friday, March 13, 2026
Billy Pat always had encouraging words for me. I worked in Madison county and enjoyed listening to him on the state radio directing his crew on snow and ice events.
Ray Wightman
Friday, March 13, 2026
Jerry & Mindy, and the Phillips family,
We are so very sorry to learn of your precious Uncle Bill passing away.
Jerry, he has meant so much to you growing up and as an adult. He was always so kind and thoughtful when we met him and your aunt. I know you will truly miss him being present in your life but you will always the memories.
Love you, Uncle Ray & Aunt Patsy
Billy Joe Purdom
Friday, March 13, 2026
Mardel and family, I am so sorry to learn of your loss. Bill was a wonderful man and was the same any time and wherever you saw him.
Bill,Melody
Thursday, March 12, 2026
All the Phillips family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Tom and Brenda Mathis
Thursday, March 12, 2026
We are so sorry to hear about your Dad. We understand how all of his family and friends will miss him. Please accept our Condolences. This world is not our Home, we are just passing through, to a place where the roses never fade. We love yall.
Debbie Jones
Thursday, March 12, 2026
Marcel and family,
So sorry to hear of Bills passing. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Deri Shaub
Thursday, March 12, 2026
I am so sad for all of his loved ones. Billy Pat was a sweet man.
Larry Wyman
Thursday, March 12, 2026
Jodi I am so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. You and your family are in my prayers.
Edwina Gilmer
Thursday, March 12, 2026
So sorry to see this obituary. We worked together at the Highway Department for many years. He was truly a good person. Sending my prayers and deepest sympathy to Mardel and his family.
Mickey Malone
Thursday, March 12, 2026
Bill phillips was not only my friend/ he was my inspiration to be a kind & Godly man for however many more years I am allowed to be on this earth. Bill had a way about him that showed God's love. Angels are shouting his welcome all across heaven.