William D. Phillips Obituary

I was in the SWT Bobcat band when Bill was Drum Major. He was incredible! I am truly sorry to hear of his passing.

My deepest sympathy. I probably haven't seen you since May 1965, but I can still see Bill leading the SM Rattler Band.

To the Phillips family,

We are sorry that we can?t be with you in person at the Memorial Service, but wanted to pay tribute to Bill who is simply irreplaceable. I remember the first time I met Bill was at a Ripley?s managers meeting in the Bahamas. His passion for life, his jokes, his laughter and his genuineness was refreshing and endearing. We immediately ?clicked? and that began a long friendship, now over 20 years.

He was like a big brother

To the Phillips family,

We are sorry that we can?t be with you in person at the Memorial Service, but wanted to pay tribute to Bill who is simply irreplaceable. I remember the first time I met Bill was at a Ripley?s managers meeting in the Bahamas. His passion for life, his jokes, his laughter and his genuineness was refreshing and endearing. We immediately ?clicked? and that began a long friendship, now over 20 years.

He was like a big brother I never had, always looking out for me and vice versa. I remember how he hated the cold weather and the year we had the Ripley?s managers meeting in Quebec City, Bill brought his mink earmuffs along, complaining how brutally cold it was. At the end of the meeting, he gave me his ear muffs with the comment that he hoped he would never need them again! I still have those ear muffs along with the memories of Bill in those earmuffs with me playing tour guide showing him the ice sculptures.

Yet I also remember the fact that while he hated cold weather, he could not sleep if the thermostat seemed to be above 66 degrees. I remember staying with Bill and Janet and Bill profusely apologizing while up on a little ladder trying to close the vents in my room to make it warmer.

I also remember his favorite drink because the first time I heard him order it, I?d never heard it quite enunciated like Bill did with his Texas accent. ?Tall Vodka 7 and lime?.

And then there were his jokes?.and more jokes?..and more jokes. I think he?s the only person that I?ve known that had such an inventory of jokes and one could always count on getting an email from Bill that would make you laugh or gasp.

Of course there were those memorable experiences from Ripley?s managers meetings that those of us who were there will always remember and chuckle about. And while Bill was a very jovial, fun loving person he also had a serious side to him.

Bill & I could sit and talk for hours about anything and everything. From business to religion, politics and pranks. The time would fly by when we were in conversation. I remember well when Bill & Janet, Bob & Susan, Raymond & Shula Torbati and Warren & I were on the Pattison yacht. Bill & I had decided to go on deck to just catch up. Hours later the rest of the gang came looking for us and Janet laughed and told everyone that they haven?t stopped talking for hours and to just leave us alone because ?they just need to do this?.

I also remember Bill?s love for his family. Janet was the love of his life and best friend. He relished the openness he had with his children Davis and Dana and one could see how close this family is. And then came the grand children. Oh boy! The day that Bill became a grandpa was icing on the cake for him. How often did I hear him say that being a dad and a grandfather was the best thing in life.

Bill is one of those people who we can honestly say made our life better for knowing him. Over the last few years I could see a spirituality grow in Bill and his faith play a more important role in his life. Bill was a good man. All good things come from God and I look forward to seeing him in heaven.

In celebration of his life,
Sylvia & Warren Matiko

The world has lost a ray of sunshine. He brought happiness to so many and will be dearly missed.

Davis,we were saddened to hear of your Father's passing. He was one of the first people we met at our initial Ripley's meeting in Quebec and we shared lots of laughs. Kindly entend our condolences to the rest of your family. Thom & Heather

Bill was a hightly influential and motivating factor in my professional career, and a close personal friend and colleague. My recently deceased partner of almost 25 years, Charles Chapman, and I spent many a wonderful evening being hosted by Bill and Janet in their home in the Dallas area during our wax museum days. We'd sit on the floor for hours under the soft glow of candlelight, sipping vino and talking about anything and everything. Those were great times. And

Bill was a hightly influential and motivating factor in my professional career, and a close personal friend and colleague. My recently deceased partner of almost 25 years, Charles Chapman, and I spent many a wonderful evening being hosted by Bill and Janet in their home in the Dallas area during our wax museum days. We'd sit on the floor for hours under the soft glow of candlelight, sipping vino and talking about anything and everything. Those were great times. And some of my happiest and most rewarding professional times were during the many creative endeavors we enjoyed over the years. Though he couldn't draw a stick figure and admitted so!, he had a true artist's soul, and a great eye. He also was a man totally comfortable with himself. He told me many times that, if given a chance, he wouldn't be anybody but himself. I always remembered that -- it's a great lesson to live by. He also told me that the very first thing you should do when entering a tourist attraction is visit the rest room. If it's clean and well taken care of, then the tourist attraction will usually be of high quality. And that is so true! I shall miss him. I extend my deepest sympathies to dear Janet, and all the family and friends.

Janet and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Love, Mark and Jennifer Hecht

Dear Janet & Family - I was so sorry to hear about Bill. He was a wonderful man and he will be truly missed. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. With Sympathy, Sharon Berry

My Dear Friend Bill,

You are a special human being and will be sadly missed in this world. You always knew the right words of encouragement, had a warm heart and the knack to make everyone laugh. Your warped sense of humour was unmatchable - and I will miss your emails tremendously!

My love and prayers go out to your dear wife Janet, who I was never lucky enough to meet, but heard so much about. And also to your pride

My Dear Friend Bill,

You are a special human being and will be sadly missed in this world. You always knew the right words of encouragement, had a warm heart and the knack to make everyone laugh. Your warped sense of humour was unmatchable - and I will miss your emails tremendously!

My love and prayers go out to your dear wife Janet, who I was never lucky enough to meet, but heard so much about. And also to your pride and joy, Davis and Dana... as well as all the grandchildren and extended family members.

I wish so much I could be with you for the rememberance service, but I will always remember Bill for the warm person he always was to me.

My condolences to you all.

Jan Johnson.

Janet & Family...Perry & I were saddened to hear of Bill's passing. It seems only yesterday we were having lots of fun in high school. Bill was a friend to all. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time. Perry & Pam Settemeyer