Phillip Willis

Phillip “Phil” Willis, 75, of Belleville and formerly of Granite City, Illinois passed away at 12:04 p.m. on Friday, September 19, 2025, at St. Elizabeth Hospital in O’Fallon, Illinois.

He was born September 29, 1949, in Boot Hill, Missouri. He married Sharon A. (McElroy) Willis in 1979 and she passed away in 2007. Phil retired from the Ford Assembly Plant in Hazelwood, Missouri after 30 years of dedicated service.

He was an avid collector of anything that caught his attention, loved listening to his music, enjoyed a bit of gambling or a visit to any buffet. He would never turn down a Krispy Kreme doughnut, enjoyed being around others, always had a way to joke with people and was the first to tell his family not to flash your money. He cherished his children and grandchildren, was a caring and devoted father and advocate for his late son and will always be remembered for the love and special times shared with family and friends.

He is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Angela and Jason Pilger of Benld; three grandchildren, David Pilger, Alex Pilger and girlfriend, Paige Overby and Katlyn Pilger; a brother, Paul Willis; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Naomi and Larry Kean and Sharon and Harold Eaton; nieces and nephews; other extended family and friends.

In addition to his beloved wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his cherished son, Adam Lloyd Willis and a brother, Gerald Willis.

In celebration of his life, visitation will be at Irwin Chapel, 3960 Maryville Road in Granite City on Thursday, September 25, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. where funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, September 26, 2025. Reverend Mark Maynard will officiate. Burial will follow at Sunset Hill Memorial Estates in Glen Carbon.

Memorials may be made to the Willis family and may be accepted at the funeral chapel. www.irwinchapel.com

Obit Provided By:
Irwin Chapel Funeral Home