Born December 27, 1936 in Whiteville, Tennessee to Charlie and Velma (Wright) Phillips, he married Nancy L. Wilson on March 2, 1957 in Corinth, Mississippi. She survives.
Also surviving are one daughter, Terri (Jon) Gossage of Pekin; two granddaughters, Hillary (Kevin) Lewis of Cincinnati, Ohio and Haley (Blake) Baker of Mt. Zion; four great-grandchildren, Annabelle Lewis, Rob Lewis, Walter Baker and Juliet Baker and one sister, Geneva Angle Summerville, Tennessee.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one grandson, Zachary Gossage and three brothers.
Charles had served in the National Guard in both Tennessee and Illinois.
He worked for Wahlfeld Manufacturing in Peoria for 40 years, last working as plant superintendent in 1998. He then worked 15 years as a custodian at the Marquette Heights Grade School.
Charles was a family centered individual and a longtime member of Liberty Baptist Church in Pekin.
His funeral will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, September 8, 2022 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Pastor Bill Carter will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Lakeside Cemetery in Pekin.
Memorial contributions may be made to Liberty Baptist Church, 2105 Sheridan Road, Pekin, IL 61554 or to Tazewell Animal Protective Society, 100 Taps Lane, Pekin, IL 61554.
To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com
