William Larry Phillips, 72, passed away Wednesday, September 20, 2023, at the North Mississippi Medical Center Hospice Unit. He was born October 31, 1950, in Booneville to William Hafford and Zena Faye King Phillips. He was a 1968 graduate of New Site High School where he was voted Mr. New Site. After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served his country in Vietnam. He later earned his degree in criminal justice from the University of Mississippi, where he also attended the ROTC program and worked as a commission officer in the Army. He worked as Commander for the U.S. Army Reserve Unit in Tupelo before becoming disabled. He enjoyed shooting pool, playing dominos, and helping people.
Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, September 22, at the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in the Altitude community of Prentiss County with Janice McBunch officiating. McNeece-Morris Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Survivors include one son, William Clay Phillips (Christy) of Mooreville; two daughters, Laurie Kaye Long (Mark) of Mantachie and Angela Phillips of Mooreville; one step-daughter, Susan Marie Lee of Jumpertown; two sisters, Anita “Sissy” Goodgine and Janice McBunch (Mike), both of Booneville; 11 grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation will be from 10:30 a.m. until service time Friday at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery.
