Phillips, William “Morris”
William “Morris” Phillips, 79, of Christiansburg, Va., entered into eternal rest on Sunday, August 23, 2009, after a long challenge with Parkinson’s. A native of Floyd County, he was born on 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 Phillip; four sons and daughter-in-laws, William Michael and Barbara Phillips, of Christiansburg, Stephen and Patricia Phillips, of Christiansburg, Terry and Wanda Phillips, of Eggleston; and Jeffrey and Jill Phillips, of 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, of Cherryville, NC; sisters and brother-in-laws, Ruth and George Heafner, of Greensboro, N.C.; Mamie and Earl Vest, of Floyd; brother-in-law and wife, Gene and Darlene Ratliff, of Roanoke; sister-in-law, Frances Ratliff, of Floyd; and many loving nieces, nephews and cousins.
In his early career, he was an agent for Peoples Life Insurance Company. 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 Lion’s 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 11 a.m. on Wednesday, August 26, 2009, at Gardner Funeral Home conducted by Pastor Buford Linkous and the Rev. Sebert Rorrer with interment at Jacksonville Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, August 25, 2009, 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 the National Parkinson Foundation, Inc., 1501 NW 9th Ave., Bob Hope Road, Miami, FL 33136-1494 or a charity of your choice. Arrangements by Gardner Funeral Home, Floyd, VA.