William "Bill" Phillips

William “Bill” Phillips, 77, of Milford passed away peacefully on March 9, 2025 at the Community Hospice House in Merrimack.

Bill was born May 7, 1947 in Winthrop MA to Stephen and Marjorie Phillips.

Bill’s family moved to Exeter NH when he was just a young boy. It is here in Exeter where he forged strong friendships and showcased his many athletic abilities. Bill excelled in both football and baseball at Exeter High. He led his high school football team to 2 state championship titles.

As a member of the Exeter track team he won the NH Decathlon in 1965 and still holds the school’s javelin record. Bill was inducted into the NHIAA Hall of Fame in 2020.

Bill attended UNH and was a three year starter as a running back in football. He was voted to the first team All Yankee Conference All Stars as a junior and played left half back when the UNH Wildcats won their first Yankee Conference Championship in 1968.

Bill participated in winter and spring track at UNH where he heaved the javelin 213’ 6.5” breaking his own record by seven feet. He also excelled at shot put, discus, and hammer throw and competed in the Decathlon.

In 1969, Bill was the recipient of the Paul Sweet Trophy for Outstanding Member of UNH Track & Field Team. He was inducted into the UNH Hall of Fame in 1987.

Bill also coached the UNH Track & Field team from 1970-1973.

As a young man and father Bill continued his love for sports. He made his World Mud Bowl debut in North Conway in 1979. His team would win their first championship title earning him the name Wild Bill and tournament MVP and go on to win 8 more times in 12 championship games. Bill was inducted to the Mud Bowl Hall of Fame in 1989. Perhaps most importantly, Bill married the love of his life Wendy Mace on the football field in the mud in 1992. The ceremony remains the only wedding to take place in the 40+ years of this annual event.

Upon retiring from mud football Bill took to the trails as a mountain biker making his mark as cross country, single track, and hill specialist. He competed in the Masters division on both NORBA and EFTA racing circuits winning many races and placing countless times earning him sponsorships and national ranking before retiring in the mid 2000s.

Bill was the owner and sole operator of the trucking company Diamond Transportation.

Bill is survived by his wife of 32 years Wendy Mace, daughter Kimberly Phillips, son Joshua Phillips and his wife Dana, son Matthew Phillips and partner Jennifer Merritt, daughter Lindsay DiMaria and partner Michael Scarpato, grandchildren Jesse Gushee, Mina Gushee, Jameson Phillips and Antonio Phillips, brothers Mark Phillips and his wife Carol, Donnie Phillips and his wife Milagros, nieces, nephews, and an extraordinary number of close friends and teammates.

He is predeceased by his parents and brothers Stevie, Bobbie and Bruce.

Bill will be remembered as a fun and dedicated husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He was always quick with a compliment, kind word, and did not hold back reminding those around him that they were loved and appreciated and always delivered with his big, beautiful smile.

The family would like to thank the staff at Southern NH Medical ER and 3rd Floor and the staff at the Community Hospice House for their amazing care.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Community House in Merrimack, NH, the Parkinson’s Foundation or the Michael J Fox Foundation.

A celebration of Bill’s life will take place at The Event Center at Hampshire Hills in Milford on Saturday, April 19 at 1:00pm.