Col. Philip C. Wharton

Colonel Wharton, 85, of Charlotte died Saturday, November 17th, 2012.

Colonel Wharton was born April 25th, 1927 in Steubenville, Ohio, a son of the late Hulda Hahn and Paul Long Wharton. He was raised in the northern panhandle of West Virginia and graduated from North High School, Columbus, Ohio and the University of Omaha (now the University of Nebraska at Omaha). Entering the United States Army as a draftee, he served during World War II, Korea, and the Vietnam War. Most of his military career was spent leading or teaching armored cavalry and tank units.

Upon retirement from the Army, Colonel Wharton completed the Residency Program in Hospital Administration at Charlotte Memorial Hospital (now Carolinas Medical Center). He then became the Manager of the Charlotte Medical Clinic.

After retiring from the Clinic, he was employed by Plan Administration as a factotum.

Colonel Wharton was a founding member of the Charlotte Area Medical Group Managers, where he served as chairman for several years, and was awarded an honorary life membership. He served on the Charlotte Housing Authority Scholarship Foundation, was a member of the Retired Officers Association, the Armor Association, the Association of the U. S. Army and various other civic organizations.

He is survived by his wife, Lois K. Wharton; daughter, Maude M. (Molly) Pruitt (Robert) of Tuscaloosa, Alabama; sons, Philip C. Jr. (Lydia) of Lancaster, New Hampshire and Andrew G. C. (Lea) of Raleigh; and a brother, Paul L. Wharton, Jr. of Piqua, Ohio; as well as one granddaughter and three grandsons.

There will be a memorial service in the auditorium at the Carriage Club of Charlotte, 5800 Olde Providence Road, Tuesday, November 20th, at 1:00 p.m., followed by a reception upstairs for family and friends. His remains will be interred in Arlington National Cemetery in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.