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Samuel Everett Phillips III was born in Fresno, Ca to Wilma Lee and Samuel Everett Phillips II on February 7, 1953, and went home to the Lord on April 17, 2025. Sam grew up in the Sunnyside area of Fresno and attended local schools, Easterby Elementary, Kings Canyon Jr High, and graduated from Clovis High School in 1971. During these years Sam was captivated by stories of his Fathers service in WWII. These stories and seeking his own service to his country led him to enlist in the Air Force, attending basic training after High School graduation in 1971. Sam began his Air Force career as an Airman assigned to aircraft maintenance. Shortly thereafter Sam met Esther Holly, they were married and traveled to his assignments together with their sons Samuel Everett Phillips IV and David Edward Phillips, who were born along the way. This included assignments in Thailand, Vietnam, Germany, Central and South America. In 1982 Sam was accepted into Officer Training School. He earned a BS in business management from Southern Illinois University, and later an MBA from Golden Gate University. In October 1998, after 27 years of service, Major Samuel Everett Phillips III retired from active service. His final assignment was heading up the ROTC program at Fresno State, Commander of Cadets. In 1999 Sam started a second career at Quinn Caterpillar. The Quinn Family is instrumental in serving America by hiring our veterans, enabling them to transition back to civilian life. Sam worked in the HR department, overseeing and recruiting employees, Sam and ten associates helped as Quinn grew from 400, to 1500 employees. To assist a growing business, Quinn Headquarters moved from Selma to the City of Industry in Southern California. In 1988 Sam married Sharon Ann Hawkins-Ferguson. Together they enjoyed weekend trips to San Francisco, Cambria, Rio Del Mar and those memorable cruises to Mexico, Caribbean and Alaska with his folks, brother and sisters. Sam, an avid Raider fan could be found manning BBQ’s at tailgates in Oakland and hosting at their home in Clovis Ca during away games. You can find him and the boys on the golf course and deep-sea fishing. He loved his Husky’s Ozzy, Boomer who have crossed the Rainbow Bridge, Sasha, their little lap pup Bailey and kitty Bella. He was a Corvette loving, heavy metal music guy, Metallica, AC/DC, KISS, Scorpions, Motley Crue and ELVIS! He was quick with one-liners and he and the boys often spoke in movie quotes. We will miss you ICEMAN! Sam was very proud of his beautifully blended large and extended family. He was a remarkable husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and loving friend to many. He was a good and faithful servant to Jesus. He instilled the message of salvation to his children at an early age. He will be dearly missed, yet we all rejoice knowing he is in the arms of our Lord and reunited with many loved ones in Heaven. . Sam was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel Everett Phillips II, Wilma Lee and Richard John Bos. Sam is survived by his wife Sharon, their children Samuel Everett Phillips IV and his wife Charis, David Edward Phillips and his wife Krystal, Sheree Robertson, Phillip John Ferguson and his wife Jennifer and bonus daughter Sarah Steers. Grandchildren Lucas, Evey, Grace, Samuel Everett Phillips V, Julian, Elliott, Cary, Majerle, Shayna, Isabella, John and Cole. Sam also leaves behind his brother John Phillips and his wife Patty and sisters Michele Loewen and her husband Bruce, Jeanne Jorgensen, Patty Murray Barbara Bos and brother-in-law John Murray. Nieces, Jennifer Nicolai and her husband Paul, Lauren Phillips, Kelley Murray, Katie Murray-Harbeck, her husband Kory and their son Owen, and nephews Christopher Prince his wife Meg and their daughter Mallory, John Murray his wife Laura and their sons Jack and Hank, Matthew Jorgensen his wife Sarah and their children Miles and Judy and Aaron Jorgensen. One of Sam’s favorite quotes provides some insight into his life. For over a thousand years Roman conquers returning from the wars enjoyed the honor of triumph, a tumultuous parade. The conquer rode in a triumphal chariot, A slave stood behind the conqueror holding a golden crown whispering a warning, “That all glory is fleeting” Gen George S Patton Jr Sam didn’t live his life for glory, he lived a life of service. He served God, his family, country, Quinn Caterpillar with integrity and honor. Sam was grateful to his parents, Samuel Everett Phillips II, Wilma and Richard Bos for instilling these values in him and for the people serving to protect us, our military and first responders. Services will be held at New Hope Community Church Clovis, CA on his dad’s birthday Friday May 2, 2025, 11:00 am under the direction of Chapel Of The Light Following there will be luncheon celebrating Sam’s life at Belmont Country Club, Fresno CA The family would like to thank the heroic first responders. Memorial contributions may be made to New Hope Community Church.

Tributes

Major Samuel Everett Phillips III

February 7, 1953 - April 17, 2025