Phillip Albert McGill, 86, of East Peoria, passed away on July 31 surrounded by family.

Phil was born on November 4, 1937, in Chicago to Fred and Lillian (Grenke) McGill. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Sue (Benson) McGill; children, Brett (Karla) McGill, Ginelle McGill, Jessica (Chris) Nunley, and Karie (Ryan) Gill; grandchildren, Reed (Alexis) Allen, Jade (Logan) Finch, Jacie Nunley, Bradley Gill, Carter Gill, and Jaelyn Nunley; and sister, Lynnette McGill. Phil is preceded in death by siblings, Fred (late Eileen) McGill, Jerry (late Joanne) McGill, Jack (late Evelyn) McGill, Lenore McGill, and Tom (Nancy) McGill.

Phil grew up in Chicago until his family moved to Franklin Park, where he graduated from Leyden High School. He began his collegiate career at the University of Illinois, Chicago (UIC) and later transferred to Illinois State University (ISU) where he earned his bachelor's and master's degrees in mathematics. Phil received a grant from the National Science Foundation for mathematics education to study at Western Washington University in Bellingham and began his collegiate teaching career at Penn State, Scranton. Shortly after, Phil became one of the founding professors of the math department at Illinois Central College (ICC) and continued teaching there for the next 30 years. His students would remember a professor with high expectations but never failed to deliver witty, humorous lectures. In 1979, the Illinois Council of Teachers of Mathematics recognized Phil with the T.E. Rine Award for excellence in secondary mathematics teaching, and he was instrumental in establishing the Illinois Mathematics Association of Community Colleges.

While in college, Phil was an active athlete. He lettered in track and diving at UIC and was a quarterback for the ISU football team. He continued his involvement in sports as a high school football and basketball referee. Later in life, his love for sports shaped a devoted Fighting Illini household. Even family events were planned around game days!

In retirement, Phil and Sue split their time between East Peoria and Naples. Their love for boating and sunshine was shared with friends at the Ivy Club and Tarpan Cove Club. Phil will be remembered most for his easy-going personality, humor, values, storytelling, and unconditional love for friends and family.

A Memorial Service will be held at 12pm Saturday, August 17th at the United Presbyterian Church, 2400 W Northmoor Road, Peoria, IL. Family will receive friends from 10:30am until 12pm at the church.  Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington is assisting the family with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers and to acknowledge Phil's love of education and humble beginning, you may make a contribution to Illinois Central College Educational Foundation, ICC Excellence Fund - #100500.