August 22, 1931 - May 4, 2014
Charles E. Phillips, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, was born on August 22, 1931 in Wilmington, Delaware, the eldest son of John Phillips and Marian Boyer. He died May 4, 2014, after a period of declining health. Charles, fondly known as “Phil”was a man of faith, defined by a lifetime of service to his family, his country, his numerous friends and his patients. He attended schools in Wilmington, and excelled in academics, and enjoyed playing on the school baseball and basketball teams.
Upon graduation from high school, Charles enlisted in the United States Air Force at age 17. He had 21 years of honorable, loyal and distinguished military service as a medic, until his retirement in 1970. He began basic training, at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX. Charles was stationed at a number of Air Force bases, including Donaldson AFB in Greenville, SC, and Air Force bases in Okinawa, Japan; Laon, France; Ubon, Thailand; Satellite Beach, FL, and Langley Air Force Base, in Virginia, where he retired. He wrote letters regularly to his wife and family while he was away serving his country in the military. He took on extra jobs to support his family, while in the service, working in the base movie theater, and selling pots and pans and shoes. He recently stated that the only pots and pans set that he sold were to himself.
Upon retirement, Charles was the first Black student to enter the MEDEX Physician Assistant training program at the University of Washington, and graduated in 1971. He began his second career as a Physician Assistant at Group Health Cooperative, Northgate Medical Center, where he remained for the next 20 years. He was loved by patients, the staff, and all with whom he came in contact.
Charles leaves to mourn, his wife and life companion Genelle Tolliver Phillips, daughters Lyndelle Tolliver Phillips, Andrea Clara Phillips, Eleanor L. Phillips Nelson (Jackie), son, Supee T. Phillips (Tasha), and Dr. Samuel R. Pettis, Jr. (like a son). Affectionately referring to him as “Daddy Phil” are grandsons, Charles “Chuck” E. Phillips Welch (Nandi), Anthony Mark Welch (deceased), Cary Philip Welch, Darren Nelson and Nicholas Phillips; and granddaughter Monica Nelson; Great grandsons, Cary Philip Welch, Jr. and Cameron Welch and great granddaughters Annabelle and Chelsea Welch. He leaves to mourn his brothers, Robert, William and Rodney Pritchett, and a sister Delores Pritchett Thomas of Wilmington, Delaware, as well as a host of nieces, great nieces, nephews and great nephews. Charles was predeceased in death by his brother Jimmy Pritchett, and sisters, Peggy Phillips, Dorothy Pritchett and Cora Pritchett Royal. Charles also leaves to mourn his special friend, Carl Hemby, whom he met through the MEDEX program, and the friendship continued throughout his life.
Charles was a faithful member of Epiphany Parish of Seattle (Episcopal) for over 42 years, attended church regularly with his wife and family members, and served on various committees. During his exceptional life, Charles loved to bowl and was on many bowling teams and leagues, including participating on two senior leagues. He was fondly referred to as “Chuck” by his fellow bowlers, and had the rare distinction and achievement of rolling a perfect 300 game as a senior. He was an active player for many years on a men’s recreational softball league until age 50. Charles traveled throughout the world with his wife and family, including France, The Netherlands, Italy, Germany, Luxembourg, Belgium, Spain, Egypt, and traveled on cruises to the Caribbean, including Jamaica, and the West Indies.
One of his favorite activities each summer was to pack up his van, and travel across the country to the East Coast, visiting his family members and friends along the way, and stopping at various military bases on his route, which he did for many years. He continued his country treks well into his seventies. He enjoyed the solitude and the wide open spaces of the cross country travel, and had several trips East with his son, grandsons, and other family members.
Charles was well known as teller of many jokes, and always kept everyone laughing. Although he may have told you a joke that he had already told you before, he would tell it in a different way, and make you laugh as hard the second time, as if your were hearing the it for the very first time. Charles had many hobbies, including reading the daily newspaper and completing crossword puzzles. He loved to snack, enjoying Tasty Cakes, Granny Smith apples and chocolate cake with chocolate icing. He would often make his specialty, potato soup, beef stew and spaghetti and meatballs for his entire family.
Charles was a proud alumnus of the University of Washington, and Husky football season ticket holder for decades. He and his family drove to Pasadena to attend three Husky Rose Bowl games, and were able to celebrate victories against Michigan in 1978 and Iowa in 1982. Charles was an avid hometown sports enthusiast. He loyally followed the Mariners and the Seahawks.
Charles had a strong and abiding faith, his life characterized by service, honor, integrity, exceptional character and loyalty to his family and friends. He was an exceptional patriarch and example for his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. His upbeat and positive spirit, robust sense of humor and infectious laughter will be deeply missed by all who loved and knew him.
All are welcome to sign the online guestbook below and add any messages or stories for the Phillips family.
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