William Earl Phillips, 81, of Kinston passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 6, 2025.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alton and Mildred Phillips; brother, Bruce Phillips; and wife, Dorothy Phillips.

William, lovingly known as “Pop” to many, graduated from Wheat Swamp High School and, upon graduation, enlisted in the U. S. Navy where he served four years and completed several tours. He completed his business degree at Lenoir Community College and received a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Development at Mount Olive College.

One of his pastimes and jobs for several years was auctioneering. He loved to auction off tobacco and really had the talent for it. He had several businesses in insurance and taxes throughout the years, but that wasn’t what he was most proud of.

When asked what his greatest accomplishment in life was, he quickly said all of his work at the Broyhill Baptist Children’s Home. He and his dear friend, Chuck, started an organization in 2006 to give Christmas and supplies to Broyhill.

This organization has given thousands of toys and dollars over the years. He helped to build several shelters and did many renovations to help the Children’s Home. That was his passion. He had a deep love for his family and was especially happy spending time with his grandchildren and all of his adopted grandchildren at the Broyhill Baptist Children’s Home.

He loved the Lord and loved to give back to his community and to children. He always said that he wanted to retire to the mountains. We know he is in the mountains of Heaven now. A service of love and remembrance will be held at Howard-Carter Funeral Home on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at 3:00 p.m.

William is survived by his devoted and loving wife, Vickie Phillips; mother-in-law, Betty Valenti; sister, Helen Pase and husband, Raymond; son, Kirk Phillips and wife, Kathy; daughters, Wanda Smith and husband, Johnnie, Janine Mattocks and wife, Terri; Marlene Pitts and husband, Jeff, and Angela Towne and husband, Josh; grandchildren, Ashley Deaver (Josh), Ethan Pitts (Jennifer), Eric Pitts (Sydney), Benjamin Pitts (Heather), and Caleb and Andrew Towne; great-grandchildren, Briley, Avery, Kenly Gunner, Mattocks, Jenna, Connor, and Everly.

The family would like to thank all of the staff at the Veteran’s Home for their love and care the last few months. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Broyhill Baptist Children’s Home, P.O. Box 338 Thomasville, NC 27361 bchfamily.org