MUSKEGON, Mich. -- Thomas Willard Phillips Sr., 61, of 1260 Howard St., formerly of Elkhart, Ind., died Saturday (June 7, 2008) in the Poppen Residence of Harbor Hospice, Muskegon.

He was born July 7, 1946, in Muskegon to Bernard and Neva (Crofoot) Phillips.

Mr. Phillips is survived by one son, Thomas W. (Shawn) Phillips Jr. of Muskegon; two daughters, Roxanne M. Darke of Muskegon and Joanne L. (Roberto Pineda) Andres of Grand Rapids; six grandchildren; his caregiver/sister-in-law, Susan (Thomas) Walker of Elkhart, Ind.; and his first wife and mother of his children, Sandra Tarabee Parnell of Muskegon.

He was preceded in death by his second wife, Linda Atkinson Hatfield, in May 2004 in Elkhart; and a brother, Wayne Phillips.

Mr. Phillips worked at the Opryland Hotel in Nashville, Tenn., for more than 16 years until he retired in 2004 and moved to Elkhart. He worked at Meijer in Elkhart and at Norton Shores near Muskegon, where he remained until his death.

Mr. Phillips was a U.S. Army veteran.

Friends may call from 10 a.m. until the 1 p.m. Thursday funeral service at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart. Pastor Dale Turner will officiate. Burial will follow in Prairie Street Cemetery, Elkhart. A memorial service will take place Saturday at Crossroads Church, North Muskegon, at a time to be determined.

Memorials may be given to the Thomas W. Phillips Memorial Fund in care of Billings Funeral Home. Visit www.billingsfuneralhome.com to send online condolences.