William Vincent Phillips

William (Bill) V. Phillips, a proud resident of Edmonds over the past 70 years, passed away at the age of 99 on July 15, 2021. Bill was born at home in Seattle on February 10, 1922 to Thomas and Athena Phillips, who both emigrated from Greece. Raised in the Seattle Greenlake area along with his two siblings Tom and Audrey, Bill was baptized at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church and was a proud member of the Greek-American Community. Bill graduated from Lincoln High School in 1940, and went on to attend the University of Washington. With the advent of WWII, he enlisted into the Navy in 1942 and requested to be a Navy pilot. After his training at various Naval schools, he earned his Qualified Naval Aviator Certificate and was given his new assignment at Pensacola, Florida, where he trained numerous Navy pilots. He completed his military service in 1965 as a Lieutenant in the Navy Air Reserve, stationed at Sandpoint Naval Air Station in Seattle, WA. Upon returning to Seattle in 1947, Bill continued his education at the University of Washington where he received a Bachelor Degree of Science, graduating in 1951. Bill was married in 1950, and in 1951 began his 32 year career in education at Edmonds High School, where he taught Chemistry & Physics. In the early 1960’s furthering his education attending the University of California at Berkeley for three summers joined by his wife Joanne and the children, those summers will be forever remembered for their great shared experiences. In 1966, Bill began a new position as Vice Principal of Edmonds High School and continued his career at Woodway High School as Vice Principal until retirement from the Edmonds School District in 1983. Bill enjoyed being involved with his growing family activities as well as volunteering in his community participating as a member of the Edmonds Lion Club, Rotary Club of Edmonds, and the Edmonds Parks Planning Board. During his years as a member of the Parks Board from 1960 – 1979 he played a key role in working with private and government officials acquiring waterfront property which turned into public spaces and beach access along the Edmonds waterfront for current and future generations to enjoy. During Bill’s retirement years he enjoyed gardening, tennis, golf and cheering on the UW Huskies, Seahawks and Mariners. Over the years many longtime friendships were made attending a wide variety of gatherings and functions. He always looked forward to the weekly breakfast club gatherings enjoying the discussion of the day with the group of retirees of varied professions, as referred to by Bill as the “Algoma Boys”. He was a devoted husband to his late wife, Joanne Phillips, and adored his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He always enjoyed spending time with family, countless cousins, and numerous friends. A special thanks to all the staff at the Edmonds Landing and newly acquainted residents for making his home over the last two years so comfortable. Bill is preceded in death by his wife, Joanne Phillips, and daughter, Karen Phillips, sons Tommy and William Phillips. Bill is survived by his children, Debbie (George) Cooper, Kiki (Rick) Bennett, and Randy (Cathy) Phillips, three grandsons Cory (Dani) Carbary, Demetre and Christian Phillips, four great grandchildren, Rainey, Cobe, Alex and Gavin Carbary, Goddaughter Christina (Tim) Jennings and many nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church – Camp Agape, 2100 Boyer Ave. East, Seattle, WA 98112, or to a charity of your choice.