CSM (Retired) Bill Phipps passed away October 29, 2020 at Cumberland Medical Center at the age of 73. He was born November 23, 1946 in Crossville, TN the son of Joe and Annie Phipps. He joined the military (Army) following graduation from Cumberland County High School. Following his training he was assigned to Germany where he met and married his wife Margot. Following his tour in Germany, he volunteered for duty with Special Forces (Green Berets). Later, he completed the Sergeant Major Academy.  CSM(R) Phipps served two tours in Germany and two tours in Vietnam along with many deployments around the world including Genada to rescue the American students there, Panama to oust President Noriega. Bill served as the Command Sergeant Major of the 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) on the first combat to Kuwait.

His military awards include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Air Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal w/3 oak leaf clusters, Army Commendation Medal w/2 oak leaf clusters, Vietnam Civil Actions Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Army Achievement Medal, Special Forces Tab, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, Meritorious Unit Citation, Presidential Unit Citation, Combat Infantry Badge with 2nd award Star and Expert Rifle Badge. He was also awarded Master Parachute Wings.

He retired from the Army in 1992 with over 28 years of service, returning to TN. He taught JROTC at Clarkrange High School for over 12 years proudly wearing the Army Uniform for over 40 years.

CSM (Retired) was next selected to take on the job of Fentress County Veterans Service Officer, ensuring the Veterans and their dependents of Fentress County received all their earned benefits from the VA. He was often heard to say that this was the most rewarding job of his lifetime.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Margot Phipps of Monterey, TN daughters- Nancy Lynn Phipps and Andrea Renee Phipps both of Crossville, TN, brother- James Phipps and his wife Mauvelene of Crossville, TN, grandchildren- Jessica, Shelton, Johnathan, Justin and Megan and four great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers- John H., Clarence and Bobby.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday November 3, 2020 at 10am at Hood Funeral Home. The family will receive friends on Monday November 2, 2020 from 5pm-8pm at Hood Funeral Home. Burial will be in Woody Cemetery.