William James Phillips

William James "Wheel" Phillips, 68, of Bear Creek, was called home to be with his Lord on August 18, 2022.

He was born on August 24, 1953, a native of Chatham County, North Carolina.Wheel was a 1971 graduate of Chatham Central High School and a graduate of Wake Technical Community College. A faithful Christian, he was a member of Hickory Grove Baptist Church in Bear Creek. 

Wheel was a self employed carpenter. As handy man, he was always there to lend others a helping hand. He built a log home with his own hands from the ground up for he and his wife. Wheel enjoyed his workshop and gardening with his Farmall tractor. He enjoyed fishing and loved to hike in the Great Smokey Mountains. He loved hiking to waterfalls and especially the one in Valley Crucis. A kind a gentle soul, he loved to spend time with friends and family. Wheel and Lynn were passionate over their nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father James Madison Phillips.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Patricia Edwards "Lynn" Phillips; mother, Shirley Austin Phillips; siblings, Cathy Phillips Brewer and husband Samuel, Beckie Phillips Spivey and husband Danny, and Darrell Phillips; brother in law, Allen Edwards and wife Robette; nieces and nephews, Shalon Matthews, Bristin Brewer (Ashley), Haley Phillips, Sumner Reaves (Andrew), Daniel Spivey (Brooks), Stephanie Edwards, Perry Spivey (Tammy), and Wesley Spivey (Heather); and 10 great nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday August 23, 2022 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Smith & Buckner Funeral Home, 230 N. Second Ave., Siler City. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 24, 2022 at Smith & Buckner Chapel. Rev. David Hicks and Daniel Spivey will share tributes to Wheel, and Rev. Darrell Garner will officiate the service.  Burial will follow at Hickory Grove Baptist Church Cemetery, 17721 NC Hwy 902, Bear Creek, 27207.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hickory Grove Baptist Church.

Smith & Buckner Funeral Home is assisting the Phillips family.

Online condolences may be made at www.smithbucknerfh.com

We will send our love to Wheel as he celebrates his 69th birthday with his Heavenly Father this Wednesday, and what a celebration that will be.