William Phillip Press
Obituary
William "Wild Bill" Phillip Press, 88 of King City passed away on Friday, November 14, 2025. He was born February 18, 1937 in Loyalton, California.
Bill was an automotive and truck mechanic most of his working life. In his earlier years he was part owner of the B&B Truck Stop located on the corner of south First Street and Division Street in King City when Highway 101 went through King City. He worked at Fort Hunter Liggett as a mechanic: truck driver/ mechanic for Duckworth Trucking. Bill retired from L.A. Hearne Co. after 30 plus years as their mechanic. He was a "Jack of All Trades." Being idle was not his thing. He worked as a Rural Mail Delivery person for many years. On the side, he installed and worked on many automated gates up and down the valley.
Bill is survived by his children, Lorie (Press) Stephens, Craig Press (Teri), Phyllis (Press) Gonzalez (David), and Mike Press; brothers, Paul Wright (Reggie), and Chris Wright (Bunny); 9 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; 3 great-great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Bill is preceded in death by his wife, Jerry; parents, Earl Press and Loraine Wright; brother, Robert; and sister, Ruth Ann.
A Celebration of Life will be held, 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 17, 2026 at the Lockwood Community Center, 65951 Lockwood-Jolon Rd, Lockwood, CA 93932.
If you wish to make a donation in remembrance of Bill, the family would appreciate it made to: Dementia Society of America or to the charity of your choice.
For more information, please contact Eddington Funeral Services, King City, (831) 385-5400, www.EFS-Cares.com .
Published in King City Rustler and Salinas Valley Tribune · December 3, 2025