Phillip Widis

Phillip David Widis passed away on January 1, 2017. He was born on April 7, 1923 to Morris and Selma Widis in New Brunswick, NJ. He is preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, the love of his life, Doris Widis. He is survived by his three sons, all living in Charlotte, Larry (Florence) Howard (Helen) and Robert, along with his grandchildren, Ashley, Amy, Daniel, Amanda and Alex, and great-grandchildren, Cooper, Miles and Nathan.

During WWII, Phil joined the Army Air Corps and underwent training to be a B-25 bombardier/navigator. While stationed in Columbia, SC, he met Doris, his wife-to-be, when he was invited to her home to share a Jewish High Holiday meal. After their marriage, Phillip and Doris moved to Los Angeles where he graduated from the University of Southern California. They moved to Charlotte in 1952.

Phil grew up in a deeply religious orthodox family and Judaism remained a central and vibrant part of his life. He embraced the meaning and beauty of Judaism and was a deeply committed and observant Jew. Phil was an active member of Temple Israel in Charlotte, assisting the clergy as gabbai during the Torah (Five Books of Moses) service. Upon his retirement from the position, he received a plaque honoring him as “The Torah Man”, as he had become known to the congregation.

Beginning in 1960 and for 35 years thereafter, Phil and co-owner Bill Marshall operated Dixie Wholesale Co., which sold dry goods and over the counter items to independent drug stores and jobbers throughout the Carolinas. Later, Levander Gaddy became an integral part of the business. Although dedicated to his work, Phil was the quintessential husband and father. He loved and cared for his family and made sure to provide a college education for all three sons.

A special thanks goes to Ms. Deborah Barnett for her heartfelt care and friendship and invaluable daily contribution to Phil’s aid and comfort.

The funeral will be held at 1 pm on Wednesday, January 4, 2017 at Temple Israel, 4901 Providence Rd., with Rabbi Murray Ezring officiating. Interment will follow at the Hebrew Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to the charity of your choice.