George "Bill" W. Phillips

Mr. Phillips was born in Springfield MO on September 13, 1929 to Wade and Thelma Phillips. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Herbert, Wade, Jr., and Harry. He leaves his loving wife of 42 years, Sandra of Pensacola, daughter Nancy of Seattle, WA and sons Duane (Leah) of San Diego CA and Gerald of Biloxi MS. He also leaves 3 grandchildren Chloe, Gavin, and Riley whom he loved dearly along with many nieces and nephews including an Aspect Exchange student Svetlana originally from Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan who now lives in London UK. In 1947, he joined the U.S. Navy and served 21 years in the data processing field. In September 1954, he was part of the first contingent of Navy programmers assigned to the newly formed National Security Agency where he worked as a Programmer/Methods Analyst in the Cryptology Branch. His most memorable and rewarding assignment was serving Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron One (VQ-1) September 1959 to March 1963. He was responsible for the setup and operation of the first Ground Data Reduction Center (GDRC) in Navy Air Reconnaissance. In addition to his duties in the GDRC, he was assigned as a flight crew member on WV-2Qs and earned his Aircrewman wings from VQ1. He retired from Commander Naval Air Forces Pacific (COMNAVAIRPAC) as a Chief Data Processing Technician (DPC). Upon his retirement from the Navy, he served the next 21 years as a Federal Civil Servant. He worked for Army Aviation Systems Command as a Computer Specialist. His primary assignment was Project Officer for installations, operations and programming an IBM 360 Systems aboard the USNS CORPUS CHRISTI BAY stationed at Vung Tau, Vietnam. He served two 3-month tours in Vietnam in 1969 and 1970. From 1971 to 1980 he served as Director, Data Automation Division, Vandenberg Air Force Base, Lompoc, CA. For his service, he was awarded the Air Force Meritorious Civilian Service Award. He retired from Federal Civil Service at NETPMSA, Saufley Field, Pensacola FL on February 1989. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, September 8th at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North with Father Pat, Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church officiating. Interment will follow at Barrancas National Cemetery at NAS Pensacola, Florida. Many thanks to Sacred Heart Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit doctors and nurses for their care and support. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society Contributions can be mailed to: Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, Attn: Development, 875 N. Randolph St. Ste 225, Arlington, VA 22203 or the charity of your choice. FAITH CHAPEL FUNERAL HOME NORTH, 1000 Hwy 29S, Cantonment, FL is entrusted with the arrangements. You may express your condolences online to www.fcfhs.com to the family.

Tributes

George "Bill" W. Phillips

September 13, 1929 - August 25, 2017