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William Edward Phillips

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

10 comments

  • Comment Link Vickie Guthrie Tuesday, 11 March 2025 06:50 posted by Vickie Guthrie

    Will and I were childhood friend's especially the Summer’s that he came to spend with his grandmother in Louise. I’m so very sorry to hear of his passing. Praying for guidance and strength for his family during this time.

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  • Comment Link Nettie Byrd Monday, 10 March 2025 21:10 posted by Nettie Byrd

    I’m so very sorry for your loss. I am praying for your family.

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  • Comment Link Ruth Ridgway Monday, 10 March 2025 21:09 posted by Ruth Ridgway

    Prayers for the loss of your family member! Love the Pace family! They walk their Christian faith! I am so sorry for your loss!

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  • Comment Link Phillip and Tabby Reid Monday, 10 March 2025 20:29 posted by Phillip and Tabby Reid

    Prayers for this sweet family ????

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  • Comment Link Donna Peeples Monday, 10 March 2025 18:50 posted by Donna Peeples

    So sorry to hear of the passing of Will. Will and I were childhood friends and classmates from preschool/kindergarten thru high school graduation. He was a great friend. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.

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  • Comment Link Belinda Sanders Monday, 10 March 2025 16:53 posted by Belinda Sanders

    Kathryn and family, our hearts ache for you all. May our Father in Heaven comfort you all in the way that only HE can; and prayers for His guidance in the future. Lifting your family in prayer.

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  • Comment Link Jimmy and Mary Huff Monday, 10 March 2025 16:14 posted by Jimmy and Mary Huff

    Jimmy and I were so sorry to hear of Wills passing, may Gods peace surround you at this time in your life.

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  • Comment Link Sharon Gilder Monday, 10 March 2025 10:58 posted by Sharon Gilder

    So very sorry for your loss.

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  • Comment Link CHARLIE MORGAN Monday, 10 March 2025 10:10 posted by CHARLIE MORGAN

    Will, you will be greatly missed. I'll never forget our time at MSU, the Frat parties, the golfing and almost every other thing that we could have done outside of the classroom. Great trips and plenty of great stories.
    Gonna miss you!

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  • Comment Link Fredy J Hubbard Monday, 10 March 2025 09:41 posted by Fredy J Hubbard

    Will and I were childhood friends and classmates. Sorry to hear he has passed. Praying for his family and friends! He will be missed. ???

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