William Morris Phillips

December 20, 1929 - August 23, 2009

William “Morris” Phillips of Christiansburg entered into eternal rest on Sunday, August 23, 2009 after a long challenge with Parkinson’s. A native of Floyd County, he was born December 20, 1929, and predeceased by his parents Deputy Sheriff William Lewis Phillips and Cordova Q. Phillips, an infant brother and sister Clarah Vae Phillips. Honoring his memory are his devoted wife of 58 years Freeda Ratliff Phillips, four sons and daughter-in-laws, William Michael and Barbara Phillips, Christiansburg; Stephen and Patricia Phillips, Christiansburg; Terry and Wanda Phillips, Eggleston; and Jeffrey and Jill Phillips, Blacksburg. He is the proud grandfather of Sara Beth Chapman, Bradley, William Adam, Casey, Laura, Corey and Shannon Phillips; great-grandfather to Jared Bruce and baby Ella Leann Chapman. He is also survived by his sister Helen Mabry, Cherryville, NC; sisters and brother-in-laws, Ruth and George Heafner, Greensboro, NC; Mamie and Earl Vest, Floyd; brother-in-law and wife, Gene and Darlene Ratliff, Roanoke; sister-in-law, Frances Ratliff, Floyd, and many loving nieces, nephews and cousins. In his early career, he was an agent for Peoples Life Insurance Co. He joined Floyd Garment Company in 1961, managing the plant there before moving to Christiansburg where he assumed management of Donnkenny Sportswear until retirement. He was a member of the Lions Club in Christiansburg and Floyd Ruritan Club. An avid sportsman, Morris was a member of the Christiansburg Hunt Club, Izaak Walton Club and Gun Club acquiring honors for his marksmanship, including 1968 State Trap Shooting Champion, and induction into the Virginia Trap Shooting Hall of Fame. His love for gardening, beekeeping, sheep and cattle raising was known by all whose friendship he enjoyed. His firm ethic in life was to love and teach his children well, and assist them in developing their God-given talents. The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, August 26, 2009 at Gardner Funeral Home conducted by Pastor Buford Linkous and Rev. Sebert Rorrer with interment at Jacksonville Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday at Gardner Funeral Home, Floyd. Memorial donations may be made to Big Sand Cemetery, c/o Clinton Wade, 2095 Geneva St., Christiansburg, VA 24073; or Phillips Cemetery, c/o Lena Duncan, 815 Mt. View Dr., Christiansburg, VA 24073; or National Parkinson Foundation, Inc., 1501 NW 9th Ave. / Bob Hope Rd., Miami, FL 33136-1494, or a charity of your choice. Arrangements by Gardner Funeral Home, Floyd. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.gardnerfuneralhomefloyd.com.

Freeda and Family, I wanted to let all of you know that we were thinking of you with the loss of Morris. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Shawna and Jim Tillery

Steve & Family, I know this is a difficult time,and your heart is truly saddened, but "to be absent in the body, is to be present with the Lord" Cherish the precious memories that you have. May the peace of God overtake you, and strengthen your hearts like never before. My love & prayers for you all. Pat Trump

“Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy.” ~Eskimo Proverb

Steve and Family, I'm very sorry for the loss of your father. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Steve and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. My family will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers. Norman

My prayers will be with you during this time of sorry.Morris was a good man. Carnella

Freeda, We were so sorry to hear of the passing of Morris. Cherish your memories and they will help you through this difficult time. We will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. Take care. Gene and Dale

Steve and family, I am sorry for your loss. It will be hard to live without him, but God will comfort you as only He can. God bless you all.

Steve and Family, I was sorry to hear about the lost of your Dad. Cherish the memories. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayer. God Bless you and your family.

Our prayers and sympathy go out to you at this difficult time. Cousin Lance and Jeannette Cox

Sorry to hear of your lose. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Freeda and family, we offer our deepest condolences.

Terry, Please accept our most sincere condolence on the loss of your father, William Morris Phillips. You and your family have been incredibly kind and helpful to us since we moved to Eggleston, and we share in your pain at this time. You are in our thoughts and prayers. May God bring you peace and comfort through memories, family, friends and neighbors. Courtney and John Scherer

Precious memories of my dear brother fill my heart and soul. Rest in peace until we meet again with our loved ones gone before.