William "Bill" Howard Phillips, 80 of Conotton, Ohio, passed away peacefully at home Oct. 9, 2024, surrounded by family after a lengthy illness.

Son of the late Helen L. (Rinkes) Johnston and William C. "Hoopie" Phillips, Bill was born March 7, 1944, in Dennison, Ohio. He graduated from Scio High School in 1962 and shortly after he served in the United States Army Reserve. He worked 46 years at the Scio Cabinet Shop (later renamed Scio Laminated) where he honed his wood-working skills making cabinets and estimating projects.

In addition to his parents and aunts and uncles, he was preceded in death by his stepfather Mason W. Johnston. Bill is survived by his beloved wife Tina (Fedasz) Phillips after just celebrating their 50th anniversary with their family. The two have three children Jenny (Aaron) Fuerst of Worthington, Ohio; Cory (Kacey) Phillips of Jewett, Ohio; and Matt (Shawna) Phillips of Green, Ohio; his younger brother John (Lorri) Phillips of Scio, Ohio; and eight adored grandchildren: Grant, Reed and Brock Fuerst; Hattie, Hazel and Henry Phillips; and William and Eleanor Phillips. He cherished his family and loved playing with his grandkids and cheering them on at their sports and activities.

While his kids often took turns requesting custom wood-working projects, everything from picture frames to kitchen tables and media consoles, the grandkids usually requested their Papa's corn on the cob and cherry tomatoes from his flourishing garden. Bill also enjoyed golfing and playing cards with family and friends. Somehow, he always knew what cards you were holding and which ones were yet to be dealt. He was a fixture on the sidelines of his kids' games, pridefully enjoying several undefeated seasons coaching the Scio Bears peewee baseball team. While he had many pastimes, he was most passionate about deer hunting. He spent many hours in his tree stand on the family farm and tagged more than 50 bucks in his lifetime, mostly with his trusted recurve bow.

Bill was a deeply beloved father, grandfather, uncle, brother, cousin and friend. Family and friends are welcome to pay their final respects at New Rumley Global Methodist Church, 41395 Scio New Rumley Road, Scio, OH 43988, with Pastor Mick Foster officiating. Calling hours will be held Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. and Monday, Oct. 14 from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. with funeral services following at 4:00 p.m. on Monday. Bill will be laid to rest at Conotton Cemetery near the home he built and where he enjoyed his family for more than 50 years. Koch Funeral Home, Scio, has been entrusted with his arrangements.

As a longtime member of the Legion, contributions may be mailed in Bill's memory to the Scio American Legion Post 482 at 38175 Crimm Road, Scio, OH 43988 with Bill Phillips in the memo for the charity fund