William Earl Phillips a.k.a. "Kung Fu"

William Earl Phillips was born on May 22, 1962, in Quitman County to Girlie Mae Howard and Clarence Howard Jr. (stepfather), who both preceded him in death.

William accepted Christ at an early age. He was baptized and became a member of Saint Luke MB Church under the leadership of Pastor Charlie Cash Sykes, Jr., where he remained a faithful member until his health declined.  William attended schools in Quitman County and was employed at various casinos in Robinsonville, MS before becoming unable to work due to an accident.

William was loved by many. He would give you the shirt off his back and considered everyone a friend.  William departed this life on May 14, 2026, at Greenbough Nursing Home & Rehabilitation Center in Clarksdale.

Visitation will be Friday May 29, 2026 at Royal Funeral Home from 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM.  The Celebration of Life will be Saturday May 30, 2026 at St. Luke MB Church, Jonestown, MS.  Burial will follow at Belmount Cemetery, Marks, MS.  Rev. Charlie Cash Sykes, Jr. will be officiating.  

William was preceded in death by his mother, Girlie Mae Howard; stepfather, Clarence Howard Jr.; and sisters, Teresa Thompson and Anna Williams. William leaves to cherish his memories: his wife, Renee’ Phillips; his daughter, Brenayla Phillips; five brothers, Kenneth Williams (Heather) and Van Williams, both of Springfield, IL, James Williams Jr. and Jonamatha B. Thompson, both of Grenada, MS and Arness Brunt of Jonestown, MS; three sisters, Tammie Thompson and Sandra Thompson, both of Grenada, MS, and Trina Williams of Saint Paul, MN; special aunts, Hester Brinkley and Lora Moton (Sacks); a special uncle, Timothy Sacks, Sr.; a lifelong friend, Charles Rhodes; the guys at the room house on Mississippi Street; a special friend, Teresa Johnson; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

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