Bernie was born in Parsons, W. VA, the second son of Elmer and Nina Phillips (Darkey) September 21, 1930. He graduated from Parsons High School in 1948 and attended West Virginia University. He joined the Army and was an Army Ranger in the 15th Infantry Airborn. After 2 years of service he returned to WVU and graduated with a BS. While in high school and first years of college, he worked with his brother, Elmer Phillips, in their fathers strip mining business driving and repairing heavy duty equipment.
He married Mary Jo Langland in 1955 and soon after their first son, David Michael Phillips, was born. Looking for better employment opportunities, they moved across country to California. While in California he worked for the highway department building and repairing roadways, again driving heavy equipment. Son Jeffrey William Phillips and daughter Patricia Ellen Phillips (Higgins) were born while in California. Before leaving California he was working for Lockheed.
In 1967 he and his family of four moved to Pascagoula where he was employed by Ingalls Shipbuilding Company. He was Superintendant of maintenance on East bank and West bank before becoming General Superintendant of Maintenance for the shipyard. At one point he managed over 700 people in the maintenance department. He retired in 1998 after 31 years with Ingalls. After retirement he continued working and volunteering in the community. He had to stay busy….
Bernie was also a member of Navigator Credit Union’s Board of Directors for 33 years.
After retirement he held various positions in Gautier – Director of Water and Sewer Department, City Manager, and Councilman. He worked with the United Methodist Men after several disasters helping rebuild homes. He was a 16 year volunteer with the Ocean Springs Hospital Auxiliary and elected Auxilian of the year in 2010. He enjoyed repairing wheelchairs for the hospital and over 6 years repaired a total of 342 wheelchairs. He was active member of the First United Methodist Church of Gautier. A member of Ocean Springs Elks #2501 and the VFW.
He is proceeded in death by his parents Elmer Phillips and Nina (Darkey) Phillips, first wife of 45 years – Mary Jo Langland and brother Elmer Phillips.
In 2004 he married Nettie (Robertson -Coffey) Phillips .
Bernie is survived by his wife of 11 years, Nettie Robertson Coffey Phillips and children David Michael Phillips (Denise) of Gautier, Jeffrey William Phillips (Darlene), of Pascagoula, Patricia Ellen Phillips Higgins, of Conroe, TX
Step children: Norah (Gambill) Burt, Elizabeth (Gambill) Wilson, (David), Mark Thomas Gambill, Natasha Leigh Coffey ( Josh Cello)
Grandchildren: Brianna Phillips, Brandon Phillips, Frankie Higgins, Tyler Higgins, Ambria Phillips, Michael Phillips
Step Grandchildren: Adam Burt (Amanda), Catherine (Berry) Jung (Talon), Alyssa (Gambill) Phillips (John), Wade Dixon IV ,L.T. Gambill, Ethan White
Great Grandchildren: Gage Jung, John Oscar Burt, Ella Burt,
Bernie was an extraordinary man who touched and influenced the lives of everyone he met. He was a source of happiness and security for his family and he will be missed more than words can ever express. To us – he was one of a kind.