William (Bill) Rees Phillips, of Mercer Island, died on Thursday, Oct. 22, 2009. Mr. Phillips was born in Scranton, Pa., in 1927. He attended Virginia Military Institute and graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1951. He also earned a degree from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, Calif., and lived in France and Japan over the course of his long Navy career. Later, he brought his colorful personality to the stage, acting in local theater and on television. He told wonderful stories in his warm bass voice and loved his family and the sea. He is survived by his wife, Carolita (Kit); children, Gae Duckett, of Ft. Worth, Texas; Megan Phillips, of Mesa, Colo.; Mark Phillips, of Albuquerque, N.M.; Julie Phillips, of Amsterdam, the Netherlands, and Carola (Cara) Phillips-Duken, of Mercer Island, their spouses, 13 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. A gathering to celebrate Mr. Phillips’ life will be held on Nov. 7 at the Mercer Island VFW Hall. Remembrances are suggested to the charity of your choice.