William Edward Phillips, 64, of Brookhaven, MS, passed away peacefully on March 8th, 2025, surrounded by his family. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, and devoted farmer, Will leaves behind a legacy of generosity and a love for the simple joys of life. As a charter member of Christ Methodist Church Brookhaven, Will enjoyed filling his retirement time with weekly Bible studies, Sunday school, and being involved in his church community. A native of Yazoo County, he married Kathryn Pace of Monticello, MS in 1984 and they soon started their family in Holly Bluff, MS. For over 30 years, Will dedicated himself to farming and cultivating not only the land but also strong friendships. He found delight in the kitchen cooking for family and friends. Whether it was at the hunting camp or their home for Sunday lunch, Will cherished moments spent gathered around a big table with a great meal and stimulating conversation. His passion for God’s creation extended beyond the fields. He found solace in the Mississippi Delta and loved time spent in the deep woods and has passed that on to his children and grandchildren. Will enjoyed studying Biblical history, Greek Philosophy, and genealogy- particularly of the British Monarchy and his own family. His kindness, humor, signature smile, and infectious laugh will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him. Though his presence can never be replaced, the memories he created and the lessons he shared will continue to live on in the hearts of those he touched. He was preceded in death by his parents John Fryer Phillips Jr. and Pauline Phillips Bridgforth. Survived by his wife of 40 years Kathryn Pace Phillips, his children Jeffrey and Mary White of Brookhaven, MS; Anna Kathryn Phillips of Grand Rapids, MI; Margaret Pace Phillips of Ashland City, TN; Ivan and Sarah Holliday of Poplarville, MS; and William Edward Phillips Jr. (Will) of Starkville, MS, as well as his four grandchildren: William, Mary Alan, Allye Montgomery White, and Henry Fryer Holliday. His siblings John Fryer Phillips III of Holly Bluff, MS; Ann Phillips Milam of Tupelo, MS, and Chatham Hurst Phillips II of Yazoo City, MS, also survive him. A celebration of his life will be held at First United Methodist Church in Yazoo City, MS on Monday, March 10th, with visitation beginning at 1 pm. The family asks that memorials be made to Christ Methodist Church Brookhaven - Capital Campaign (PO box 4387, Brookhaven, MS 39603) in lieu of flowers. Will’s legacy will endure in the fields he tended, meals shared, and the stories that will be told for generations to come