William Phifer

William (Bill) Phifer was born in Sparta, TN, to Mark H. and Laura Ida Phifer. He is survived by his younger brother, Kenneth (Yvonne) Phifer of Livonia, Michigan, step sons David V. Mathews, James D. (Georgette) Mathews of Colorado Springs, 6 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, older brother Earl Phifer and his beloved wife of 66 years, Billie Jean Sudbury. Bill's early years were spent on the farm in Sparta. His family then moved to Detroit, Michigan during WWII. After the war the family moved to New Boston, where Bill graduated from Airport Community High School in 1951. Bill joined the Air Force in 1952 and completed a tour in Korea before being stationed at Amarillo AFB where he met and married Billie, gaining an instant family, as Billie had 2 sons, David and James. In 1957, Bill was assigned to the Air Force Academy, becoming one of what were known as the pioneers - those assigned to the Academy before the first class had graduated. The mid 60's brought a transfer to Chambley, France, then 2 years later an assignment to Upper Heyford, England. Bill and Billie, affectionately known as "the Billies",took advantage of this time to travel to many different countries in Europe, collecting antiques along the way. After returning from Europe, Bill spent a small amount of time in San Bernardino, CA, before completing a tour in Vietnam during 1969 - 70. Assigned to Columbus AFB, Mississippi, Bill retired from the Air Force there and then spent some time working for White Trucking Co. and the Civil Service before, with Billie, opening Hollydale Health Foods which is still in operation today. In 1992, "the Billies" retired to Durango, CO, where Bill did volunteer work for the Colorado Fish and Wildlife Dept.. 2006 brought them back to Colorado Springs, where they remained for the rest of their lives. Bill will be remembered for his love of cars and the great care he took in caring for them. He will also be remembered as an excellent basketball player in his younger years, first learning to play on the dirt court at his one room rural Tennessee school house, then setting scoring records during his high school years. He continued to play on various teams during his early years in the Air Force. A graveside memorial service will be held at the Air Force Academy cemetery on Thursday, July 27, 2023 at 1:00pm,