William Davis McPhail

On Saturday, October 17, 2020, Bill McPhail passed away at the age of 94. William Davis McPhail was born on August 15, 1926 in Hardeeville, South Carolina to Jefferson Davis McPhail and Madie McPhail. As a young boy Bill and his siblings, James McPhail, Ruth (McPhail) Bennett, and John McPhail relocated to Three Rivers, California. Bill attended Woodlake High School where he played football, basketball and participated in FFA. His love for the outdoors began during his youth when he packed into the high country of the Sequoia National Park. In 1944, Bill enlisted and honorably served for the United States Navy. He served during World War II on the USS Kershaw, alongside his two brothers who also served in the military. Bill was honorably discharged on May 31, 1946. Bill went on to work at the Woodlake Hardware and as a Manager of the Ivanhoe Hardware. From there, Bill moved to San Jose to pursue his career in underground construction. He was appointed as Vice President of Flatland Construction in San Mateo before starting his own underground construction business in the Bay Area. Bill was a dedicated sports fan, but he especially loved baseball. He enjoyed watching his grandkids and great grandkids play sports. Bill was an avid reader and a collector of all tools. He was the first person that was called to help repair anything and everything. Bill had many hobbies, among these he loved to travel the United States, enjoyed cruises, deep sea fishing, consistently finishing projects and adding new ones. In his later years, Bill resided in Visalia and enjoyed his morning trips to McDonald's for his cup of coffee surrounded by friends and frequenting his favorite restaurants to which all staff knew him by name. He was known for his quick wit, his straight forward advice, and his love for his family and friends. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, his 3 siblings, his wife of 28 years; Shirley, and his grandson; Justin Davis McPhail. He is survived by his three children Kathy (Joe) Manuele, Larry (Tonya) McPhail, Cherrie (Larry) Rooke, his stepchildren Dale Billings, Don Billings, Debbie Nolan, his 7 grandchildren, and 11 great grandchildren. Services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the American Legion in Memory of William Davis McPhail. A Message From Heaven Perhaps you aren't ready yet to have to say good-bye Perhaps you've thought of things you wish you'd said-- well, so have I. For one thing, I'd have told you not to worry about me I'm with the Lord in Heaven now you knew that's where I'd be. I'm sorry that you're feeling sad, for I'm so happy now.. I've asked the Lord to ease the hurt and comfort you somehow. It's hard at the beginning, but I know you'll make it through. I hope it helps to know that I'll be waiting here for you.

William Davis McPhail

August 15, 1926 - October 17, 2020