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Mychael P. O’Brien, Esq. posted a symbolic gesture
Tuesday, January 31, 2023
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I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my old buddy, Willie. We met in an educational psychology class at The Ohio State University. I remember fondly his red corvette. I used to look forward to the Christmas newsletter from he and Lynne. I will always remember his zest for life and sense of humor. Rest In Peace, old friend.
K
Keith and Susan Randall posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 24, 2023
It's truly difficult when a friend of so many years leaves us. Such is the case with 'Willie P' as he was known to my wife Susan and me. We both met Willie within a month or two in June 1974, at Lockbourne AFB, Columbus, Ohio later renamed Rickenbacker AFB that same year. We have remained friends these last almost 50 years. Some years we were living closer to each other than in others but, we always kept in touch and knew the latest life adventure we each were experiencing.
When we first met, Willie had recently been released from active duty due to the Air Force Reduction in Force (RIF) program and I had taken an early out from the active-duty Air Force. Susan was on active duty in the Air Force. Willie and I both had developed a true passion for flying airplanes and decided we could maintain our flying proficiency in the Air Force Reserve and make a little subsistence money too. We both had aspirations of a flying career that would pay the bills and allow us to follow our passion of flying. However, the mid 1970's was not a good time to find a paying job flying airplanes but, the Air Force Reserve was a good place to 'mark time' until a flying job came along.
Willie and I both qualified in the Air Force Reserve C-123K aircraft around the same time in July 1974. We had both flown the KC-135 refueling aircraft on active duty however, Willie didn't have any experience in old reciprocating aircraft like the C-123. On the other hand, I had flown C-47's in Viet Nam and T-29's on active duty. Both old reciprocating aircraft.
So, Willie was my copilot and we had many adventures together on 'Opportune Cargo' missions in the C-123. We flew trips to New Hampshire for lobster, Florida for oranges and Colorado for Coors beer. From time-to-time we actually hauled cargo for the Air Force! These flights provided Willie experience flying an old airplane that had no autopilot, no air conditioning and no heater. All the while Willie was becoming more comfortable flying on old airplane. I recall one trip when we were returning to Columbus from Florida and it was a clear day with scattered, puffy clouds and our flight path was to take us through a few of those. Well, Willie quite seriously asked: "We aren't going to fly thru those clouds, are we?" My response was yep, we are only at 6000ft and not to worry, just enjoy the experience of popping in and out of those friendly little clouds down here in the lower altitudes. Willie was accustomed to flying the KC-135 in the 30,000ft altitude regime where clouds can hide a nasty surprise.
The remainder of the 1970's and into the early 1980's Willie found work flying small jets for a charter company based in Columbus. He continued flying with the Air Force Reserve during this time as well. In 1980, he flew a reserve C-123 into Opa Locka, Florida where I was now stationed with the U.S. Coast Guard. The illegal Cuban migration (Mariel Boat Lift) was going on and the Coast Guard always welcomes additional resources in time of need. Well, that's when I coordinated with the Coast Guard for Willie to fly an airborne patrol in the Florida Straits.
While I chose to return to active duty in the military (Coast Guard) Willie continued his civilian aviation pursuits. In the early 1980's he landed a job with New York Air. This airline was started by the despised corporate raider Frank Lorenzo. After starting New York Air, Lorenzo gained control of Continental Airlines in bankruptcy. This move allowed him to cut union wages in half by bringing in non-union workers. Lorenzo then went after Eastern Airlines and did the same dismemberment of another legacy airline that had been in business since 1926. Finally, after gutting both Continental and Eastern, Lorenzo combined these two assets with New York Air and People's Express and called it "Continental Airlines"! One more change came about when United Airlines took over "Continental Airlines".
Willie somehow managed to survive all this turmoil and retired from United. Like many of us who chose flying as our life's work, it was a bumpy road.
Our recollections of Willie would not be complete without mentioning the devotion to his family. Willie was a real 'hands-on' dad. When Katie was about three years old, the twins, Mark and Thomas arrived. The boys came home on apnea monitors and it was all hands on deck. Imagine what it was like with infant twins with a three-year-old under foot! We went over to help out as best we could. Susan cooked meals and stocked the freezer, Keith played with Katie, while Willie, Lynne and Willie's father set up shifts to take of the babies. This is when Susan realized that just because twins are born at the same time, it doesn't mean they sleep and wake at the same time.
Susan and I were fortunate in the early years to be invited to many Christmas time celebrations when Willie's children were growing up. Over the years, Willie kept us informed about Katie, Mark and Thomas. Also, he was so very grateful to have found and married his best friend Lynne and he never failed to tell us so.
Willie, now that all your pain and suffering is over, may tail winds be with you on your final flight. Rest in Peace our old friend.
Keith and Susan Randall
G
Gail Walker posted a condolence
Wednesday, January 18, 2023
Bill as I called him from childhood was indeed someone who inherited storytelling from his dad, aunts, uncles and our granddaddy who was the greatest storyteller of all and we all learned much from him most definitely Bill. He let me continue to call him Bill although most knew him as Willie. Many stories of him and his brother Bob as young boys fill my memories pleasantly. He loved talking about flying and was so pleased to know that our triplet grandchildren were learning to fly and loving to fly. Smiles came often when he was reminded of joyful times growing up. He will be missed, but what a reunion with family lies ahead for him in heaven. What a joyous time welcoming him led by our loving grandmother.
Cousin Gail and husband Jerry Walker
c
cheryl eagle posted a condolence
Saturday, January 14, 2023
Elliot, Zach, and I are saddened to hear of Willie's passing. He was a great story teller and took good care of those he loved. Cheri
A Memorial Tree was planted for Willie Phillips, Jr.
Thursday, January 12, 2023
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We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at Adams Green Funeral Home Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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The family of Willie White Phillips, Jr. uploaded a photo
Thursday, January 12, 2023
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Adams-Green Funeral Home & Crematory
721 Elden Street | Herndon, VA 20170
P: (703) 437-1764 or (703) 471-4090 | E: bill@adamsgreen.com
