We mourn the passing of an incredible community servant, a dedicated civic leader and a contagious personality that left everyone in his path happier after speaking with him.
The sudden passing of banking leader Phil Williams is a difficult one for us to cover at The Herald. He was such a force within our local community and beyond. And we offer prayers to his family and loved ones during this time.
Phil hails from a family with a long history of Yazoo roots. Born to the late Charles D. Williams, Jr. and Marsha Dunn Williams, Phil was a graduate of Manchester Academy and later received a bachelor’s degree in Banking and Finance and an MBA in Finance and Economics from his beloved Ole Miss. He was also a graduate of the Graduate School of Banking at LSU.
Phil followed in his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps at The Bank of Yazoo, where he worked for 39 years. He held many positions and was a Bank and Holding Company Director and served as Chairman since 2010. He served on the MYB Executive Council, Legislative Committee, Insurance Committee and as Chairman of VEBA Trustees.
But his service went beyond his profession. Phil was involved in numerous community organizations and served as President of the Yazoo County Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Yazoo, Yazoo Downtowners’ Association and the Yazoo City Lions Club.
Phil spent some time with staff members of The Herald over the years. There were some animated conversations held, off-the-record, at times. But when it was time to get down to business, Phil did just that. He got down to business. To us, that is the perfect balance: an effective leader, a trustworthy professional but also a humorous prankster, an original storyteller, the perfect golf partner. Top those qualities with a passion for the Grateful Dead, and we challenge you to find a more unique and memorable person.
We will certainly miss Phil, and it will be challenging for the Yazoo community to fill those shoes. But we are proud to say Phil was our friend, both professionally and personally. He always handled business but reminded us to laugh along the way.
That is one incredible legacy to leave. And we thank God for allowing us to have Phil while we did.
