William Thomas Phillips

1933 - 2013

William Thomas Phillips obituary, 1933-2013, Northville, MI

BORN

1933

DIED

2013

FUNERAL HOME

Harry J Will Funeral Homes - Livonia

37000 W Six Mile Road

Livonia, Michigan

William Phillips Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on May 9, 2013.

Bill Phillips was born in 1933 on a farm in the small town of Tuckerman, Arkansas. After moving to Detroit in the 1940's and growing up in Melvindale, he joined the Air Force during the Korean War. He served at Pepperrell Air Force base in Newfoundland as an airplane hydraulic technician and line chief. In Newfoundland, he also met the love of his life and future wife, Bridget Culleton.

Coming home to Michigan with his new bride after the war, he used the skills he learned in the Air Force to enter into a business partnership designing hydraulic systems. With a young and growing family of a wife and six kids, he made the leap to become sole owner of PSI Hydraulics. Two mortgages and two more children later, PSI grew into a multimillion dollar enterprise. With the success of the core business firmly established, Bill initiated a series of acquisitions and further growth to make Phillips Service Industries, Inc., into a diversified, $130 million company employing more than 500 people across the US and abroad. On the home front, the family also continued to grow by acquisition. Eight kids, plus their spouses, twenty grandchildren and one freshly minted great-granddaughter is the current tally. As if all of the above didn't keep him busy enough, Bill spent a great deal of his time supporting local political causes and philanthropic efforts. He was also an avid outdoorsman, making many hunting and fishing trips as far afield as Alaska and closer to home to his beloved camp in the U.P. He was also an avid reader, and most recently an author, publishing his memoir, "An American Entrepreneur," in 2010.

After a hard-fought battle with ALS, our dad passed away peacefully, surrounded by his children and their families and many dedicated care-givers. Of course he will be sorely missed, but he left such a large legacy that there will continue to be reminders of him everywhere. He is survived by his children; Lynn Phillips, Donna Westmoreland, Lisa (Brent) Bassett, Terry (Steve) Cauzillo, Scott (Sabine) Phillips, Bob Phillips, Amy (Mike) Fitzpatrick and Sean (Jane) Phillips. He is the adored grandfather of Sarah, Erin (Mike) King, Meghan, Ben, Lauren, Max, Caleb, Haley, Laine, Jarred, Molly, Amy, Andy, Matt, Alia, Zane, Jack, Will, Luke and Owen. Proud great-grandfather of Bridget. Dear brother of Phyllis Gail Johnston.

The family will receive friends for a Memorial Visitation on Sat, May 11, 2013 from 2-9pm with an evening Rosary at Harry J. Will Funeral Home 37000 Six Mile, Livonia, MI 48152.

There will be a Memorial Mass at 10:00am on Monday, May 13, 2013 at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church 132 Orchard Drive, Northville, Michigan 48167.

Bill will be laid to rest with his wife in Rural Hill Cemetery on Seven Mile Road, west of Sheldon, in Northville, Michigan following the Mass.

Donations to ALS of Michigan in memory of William T. Phillips for the Respite Care Assistance Program 24359 Northwestern Hwy, Suite #100 Southfield, MI 48075.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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January 28, 2014

Lisa Phillips

My father in law, Mr William Phillips was one of the kindest, most loving gentleman that I have ever known...
He adored my mother in law, and his children and Grandchildren...
I will forever miss him, and my beautiful mother in law.

May 29, 2013

Florette Gaskin

It is of great regret that we learned of the passing of a very good and decent man. Whenever he and his family stayed in Barbados, we thoroughly enjoy their company, he was a bright spark to our lives. On behalf of me and my family I extend condolences to the entire family of Bill Phillips. Our prayers are with you, may he rest in Peace.

Posted by Florette Gaskin

May 15, 2013

John R. Ghindia

I am very sorry to hear of the passing of your father Bill Phillips! I extend my condolences to the entire Phillips family as well as every one at PSI! It has been an honor to work with the first class organization that your father created! I especially enjoyed visiting with your father at his book signing in Northville and learning more about his incredible life from reading his memoir "An American Entrepreneur"! May your father rest in peace in our Lord's heavenly kingdom. And may you receive abundant grace and comfort in the wonderful memories and example he provided.

May 14, 2013

Mr Philips was a great leader and someone I truly enjoyed working for. My deepest sympathy and prays to the whole family. May God Bless you all.

Bob Tuite

May 12, 2013

Steve Bogdan

It is with the utmost respect that Pat and I extend our condolences to the entire Phillips family, employees and friends who were touched by a true patriot and community leader such as Bill Phillips. His quick wit, humor and candor will be remembered fondly.

May 11, 2013

Steven, Linda, Stephanie Cadle

Mr. Phillips was a rare, giving person and he touched the lives of all that worked for him. Working for him was a Blessing for my entire family. Your loss is Heaven's gain and our family sends our prayers and sympathies.

May 11, 2013

Nicholas Fernimos

Mr. Phillips was a mentor , baseball coach and my best friends father. He always treated me with love and kindness . What I like best about Mr. Phillips is no matter how successful he was he still had a humble nature, never acting as though he was better then another. A strong leader of his family and business. A true warrior .

May God bless the entire Phillips family and may brighter days find their way into the hearts of all who read this.

May 11, 2013

Dr. David Dietrich

I was deeply sad to learn of the death of William Phillips. My heart-felt condolences and prayers go out to each family member and loved one. He will be greatly missed: he loved each of his loved ones profoundly.

May 11, 2013

Noreen Press

To the Philips Family,
We were sorry to hear about your father's death. I was happy that I met him 2 years ago at the Culleton Reunion in Toronto, and was hoping to see him again this summer at our reunion here in Newfoundland. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Noreen (nee Culleton) and Harold Press

May 11, 2013

John Werth

Dear Phillips Family,

I had the pleasure to meet your father over 12 years ago at Meadowbrook Country Club. Shortly after that I saw him again with your mother at the New Wing Hing restaurant. Over the years I have enjoyed the conversations with both your parents. Truly two of the nicest and most generous people I have ever met.

My condolences to all of you. He will be surely missed. Our prayers are with all of you at this difficult time.

John Werth
Director of Public Safety
Northville Township

May 10, 2013

Pamela Sandiford

To the family of Mr. Phillips

The sadness I feel at the passing of your loved one is indeed great,he was such a special person.My heartfelt condolences to all of you at this present time, he will be surely missed.

May 10, 2013

Sara Cox

Mr. Phillips, thank you for the experiences and wisdom you shared in the short time I knew you. Your son Bob and his babies will always be family to me. They are evidence of your greatness. Be at peace with Mrs. Phillips knowing your impact was profound. Much love to the family.

May 10, 2013

Ken Voss

Mr. Phillips I will miss those casual conversations and your wisdom, you will always be remembered for caring about all of us (your employees), just a great guy and so glad I have had the opportunity to work at PSI.

May 10, 2013

Bill Matthews

Bill Phillips was a fine gentleman and a man devoted to his family and country. I got to know him fairly well @ Meadowbrook Country Club, Republican party fundraisers and Catholic Central Football games. He will be sadly missed but fond memories will endure for a long time

May 10, 2013

Sarah Claycomb

Dear Phillips family,
Bill was a wonderful man. He showed such great kindness to my father, Charles Walker, who previously owned a business in Indiana that Bill purchased. They became good friends over the past 10 years. They were kindred spirits at heart. Bill's generosity was amazing. My father wrote the forward in the book Bill published. I am sure a special angel was assigned to take him on to heaven! May God comfort and sustain you with His love during this difficult time of great loss.

May 10, 2013

John Walsh

Dear Phillips Family: My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Bill was a true inspiration for me. It was a privilege to know him. Sincerely,

May 10, 2013

Richard Bogert

I had the good fortune of meeting Mr. Phillips once and visiting a few more times. I could tell that he was special because of the way he treated and respected the people that worked with him. I could see how the people in his employ respected him. I also remember a couple of memorable stories. I wish I had been able to hear more of them.
Richard W. Bogert - President The Bogert Group

May 10, 2013

Gary White

Dear Phillips Family;
Bill was a friend and a patient advisor. I have enjoyed many evenings with Bill and the gang, including Bishop Moses Anderson,enjoying great food , great wines and friendly conversation. he will be missed.

Gary White

May 10, 2013

John Dell'Anno

Your dad had the unique gift of making everyone he met feel they were among freinds. He was warm, compassionate and quick with a smile. Because of his courage in business, Mr Phillips gave me (and many others) the opportunity to provide for my family. I will be forever grateful. Each time we were together, his first question was NOT about business, but to ask about my family.

I will remember him with much affection and admiration. He was a great man. I am blessed for having known him.

May 10, 2013

Rose Rife

Dear family of Mr. Phillips. I am so sad for the loss of your father. He faced ALS with such courage. Thank you for allowing me to be part of "the family". It was a honor to work with Mr. Phillips and all of you that I met. May the Holy Spirit comfort you during this time of sadness. And may we all celebrate Mr. Phillips life and courage. God Bless you all.

May 10, 2013

John R MacInnis

I am so sorry to hear of the death of Bill Phillips, we shared our love of the U.P and its wild natural beauty. we shared our parish OLV and we shared the mutual respect of Newfoundland. my mother was born there.
I shall offer prayers and mass up at Sacred Heart parish in L'Anse
I regret that I cannot share in the funeral process as we are in Colorado for a grandchild's First Communion, we shall pray for Bill PHillips.
John R. MacInnis

May 10, 2013

Tom & Deb Rohde

Dear Terry and Family,
We were saddened to hear of your father. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and all of your family. Sincerely.

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