NAPLES, FL - William Randolph Phillips, age 84, of Naples, FL passed away following a long illness on Friday, 25 July 2025. William (known as "Bill"), a cherished husband, father and grandfather, lived a life of love, generosity, joy, and devotion to his Lord. Born in Milton, PA in 1940, Bill lived a life committed to his wife, his family, and his community - especially the America he loved so dearly.

Bill will be remembered as a devoted husband, a loving father, a proud grandfather, and a loyal friend whose steady presence was a source of comfort and strength to all who knew him. He was the beloved husband of Peggy Joyce (nee Kerstetter). Their 62-year marriage was the cornerstone of his life, a love story that began as young adults at a dance in Bill's hometown. Of all the roles Bill held, his greatest joy and proudest accomplishment was his family. He was the deeply-loved father of Kelley Leigh Phillips (of Satellite Beach, FL), William Randolph ("Randy") Phillips II and his wife Nury Renee (of Naples, FL), and Gretchen Anne (nee Phillips) Cotnoir and her husband, Christopher ("Chris") William (of Morristown, NJ). His most cherished title was "Pa," as he was the proud grandfather of Madison Kendahl Phillips and Ilya Alam Khan (of Haverhill, MA), Miranda Ashley (nee Phillips) Davis and Aydin Rance Davis (of Orlando, FL), Jack William Cotnoir, and Chase Christopher Cotnoir (both of Morristown, NJ).

Bill was a fantastic friend, colleague, teammate, advisor, and coach of so many others; he leaves a legacy of professionalism, experience, duty, humor, and caring. He grew up in Milton going by the nickname "Duke," leading a typical post-WWII young boy's life filled with running around the neighborhood with his buddies and a series of dogs and pet duck, tormenting the residents with their (somewhat illegal) low-power radio station, and swimming in the Susquehanna. He kept in touch with many of those childhood friends; together they regaled his family many, many times with stories of those Golden Years - wherever Bill lived, those were the touchpoint of his life.

After graduation from Milton Area Senior High School in 1958, he went on to complete a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology at Penn State University. Concurrently, he served nine years of active duty in the U.S. Marines Corps, advancing in rank from private to sergeant before being commissioned as a second lieutenant upon graduation from Penn State in 1963. He then proudly served in combat in Vietnam. Bill held a Lifetime Master classification with the National Rifle Association and was a member of numerous prize-winning high-power rifle teams. After a long career in banking in Trusts and Estates (in Wilkes-Barre, PA, Toms River, NJ, and State College, PA), Bill finished his working career as Treasurer of Bucknell University.

In retirement, as an excellent student of history (particularly in the U.S. Civil War, World War II, and Vietnam), he continued his research and writing, authoring three articles on special operations warfare and a book ("Night of the Silver Stars - The Battle of Lang Vei") published by the Naval Institute Press in 1997. He dearly loved reading military books, watching war movies, and corresponding with his friends, many from the Special Ops community. He was also known for his enjoyment of the music of Glenn Miller, Johnny Cash, and the Kingston Trio. However, his greatest pleasures were enjoying time with his wife playing "Hand and Foot" and "Rummikub," keeping up with his children's lives, spending time with his grandchildren and his beloved dogs Jordie and Dottie, and following his beloved Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies.

"Marine, stand down. Your watch has ended."

The burial and celebration of Bill's life will be held in Autumn 2025 in Milton, PA, details forthcoming. Contributions in his honor may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project (support.woundedwarriorproject.org). Alternatively, you may reach his wife, Peggy Phillips, at 12471 Collier's Reserve Drive, Naples, FL 34110.