Pastor William E. "Sonny" Phillips Obituary (1951

William E. Phillips was born on June 4, 1951, to the union of the late Sarah and William Phillips, Sr. at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, New York. There were four children born of that union, he was the youngest, and only boy. William was raised in Avon, New York and graduated from Avon Central High School. He was charismatic, popular, fun-loving, and a well-liked guy recognized for his athletic ability and natural leadership skills that started to bud during those early years. After high school he had a short stint at Alfred Technical School and started work as a technician at Rochester Telephone Company. He landed a promising job working the swing shift at Eastman Kodak. He remained there for many years until the early retirement packages became too attractive to refuse, after which time he began to do whatever, he found his hands to do. He loved working with his hands. And so, his initial occupation description was carpenter, just like Jesus. He demonstrated the love for his craft by the meticulous work he did for residential and commercial customers. As a subcontractor he developed relationships that connected him with people from all walks of life. He was loved and appreciated by his customers and fellow workers, who often sent him home with gifts of all kinds, tools, equipment, even cookies, all to show their appreciation for his craft, integrity, and kind spirit. The by-product of a God-loving, God-fearing woman, William loved his family, and people. He loved to cook and serve just like his mother. It was his love language. Encounters with him were memorable due to his caring approach and genuine interest in others. He had a mindset to meet people where they were without judgement. He was intentional and spontaneous, simple, and particular, laid-back and a little peculiar all at the same time. To know him was to love him. In 2001, he moved to Melbourne, Florida with plans to work, enjoy the sun and retire. While living there he gave his life to the Lord. With that confession, he acknowledged and accepted a call to the ministry determined to obey God's every command. He referred to him as Master. He often spoke of the specific instructions he received from God early on (1) Return to Rochester to care for his mother whose health was failing (2) preach the Gospel (3) find his wife, in that order. He responded with quick obedience, loaded his car, and drove non-stop back to Rochester, alone. It was October 2002, at which time he settled down at Second Baptist Church in Mumford, New York under the leadership of the late Rev. Dr. Charles Thurman. Initially, he sat in the back of the church and eventually began to serve. Dr. Thurman licensed him as a minister in 2002 and he attended the Pearl Program at Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School the following year. He joined the Baptist Minister's Alliance in 2005 and served faithfully as Recording Secretary and Treasurer for several terms. He was a man of good works with a focus solely on God. It was only from the corner of his eye he looked around and wondered about the wife the Lord spoke of. He was always mindful of not getting out in front of God, as he put it, so he waited patiently. He was determined to remain focused, and all he was really interested in was having a little female companionship over a cup of coffee. Unbeknown to him, the next step of his destiny began to unfold with a voice on the phone referring to him by his birth name, William. Ironically, in the former life he shared with that person, like so many, she called him Sonny. For some, Sonny is all they knew. If William were still here, he would politely respond to Sonny, yet after his conversion, "Sonny" meant something he no longer ascribed to. He was clear about that. Others knew him as Bill. The voice on the phone was Bridgitte, the wife the Lord spoke of. He later shared that the Lord told him to ask her about the ring. The ring he had given to her when he proposed over 15 years ago. She still possessed the ring, and in the same manner she had held onto the ring after so many years, she also kept a prophetically announced promise from God buried deep within her heart regarding their marriage. The promise of God was buried so deep within in her heart she was unaware it was still there. In a manner likened to the promise God made to Abraham, in the process of time God divinely orchestrated their reunion. The encounter was indeed surreal yet could more accurately be described and received as prophetic fulfillment. They were joined in holy matrimony in 2007. In 2009, Dr. Thurman ordained William as a Minister. He continued to serve in that capacity until 2013, at which time he heeded God's call to serve at Church of God Caledonia, New York, located down the street, around the corner by the side of the road, as he would say. In 2013, he was once again licensed and ordained, this time, in the non-denominational movement of Church of God. Soon thereafter he became interim Pastor upon the sudden unexpected death of Pastor Kelly. He was ordained as Pastor in 2016 by Pastor Sammie Drayton of Hope Divine Church of God, overseer, and Executive Director of the credentialing committee of the General Assembly Western, New York branch. Pastor Phillips served that church with all his might with his wife Bridgitte at his side serving as worship leader and Church Administrator. Pastor Phillips prepared for and served the congregation as if it was much greater in size than the number God had given him. He did not lose any God gave him. He often said, God grows the church! During the latter years of his life his circle narrowed, but his influence did not. For those he remained in contact with, he always had a listening ear and a kind, encouraging word. In 2018, he received the grave diagnosis of terminal cancer with a five-year life expectancy. He continued to diligently serve until which time his health began to significantly decline. After much prayer and consideration, he submitted his letter of resignation as the Pastor of Church of God, Caledonia in October 2024. The pastoral call of God remained on his life until the point of death (And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding - Jeremiah 3:15). Pastor William E. Phillips departed this life on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, with his wife Bridgitte at his side. He transitioned peacefully at home, which was his sincere desire. Left also to mourn is his last living sister Carol (David) Marshall, sister-in-love Suzanne Lee and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives. He is predeceased by sisters, Delores Lee and Florence Jones and brother-in-love Louie Lee. He had no biological children, yet he loved children and youth of all ages. He was a father-like figure to many and embraced all who chose to be mentored by him. The good fruit of all his relationships remain despite time or distance. Family and friends are invited to call on Friday, May 24, 2024, from 4- 7 p.m. at the Stephenson-Doughtery Home at 350 Genesee Street, Avon, NY 14414. Family and Friends are invited to call on Saturday, May 25, 2024, at 11:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. followed by a Homegoing service at 12:00 p.m. at Hope Divine at 903 Maple Street 14611. The burial will be in the East Avon Cemetery on Tuesday, May 28th at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers you may donate to: Wilmot Cancer Institute Development Office Alumni & Advancement Center 300 E. River Road Rochester, New York 14627