John Erwin Phifer

Spartanburg, SC- John “Jack” Erwin Phifer, Sr., 88, husband of Mildred “Millie” W. Phifer, passed away at Spartanburg Regional Hospice Home on Saturday, March 17, 2018. Born September 22, 1929 in Chester, SC, he was a son of the late Isaac Avery and Mary Hamilton Phifer. Jack was a devout and lifelong Presbyterian, having been a charter member, Elder, and Clerk of Session of Westminster Presbyterian Church, and a current member of First Presbyterian Church. He was a graduate of Spartanburg High School and Presbyterian College and was employed with Milliken & Company for the entirety of his working career. Jack was an inventor and avid woodworker, he volunteered with the Boy Scouts of America and Meals on Wheels. He was a member of the Institute of Management Accountants, Toastmasters, the SC Historical Society, SAR, SCV, the Pinckney and Chester District Genealogical Societies, and The Avery Memorial Association. In addition to his wife, Millie, Jack is survived by his son, John Erwin Phifer, Jr. (AliceKay McMillan) of Woodruff, SC; his daughters, Mary Margaret “Peggy” Vann (Don) of Charleston, SC, Catherine Hamilton Perkins (Chuck) of Cle Elum, WA, and Martha Elizabeth Collins (Chris) of Waynesboro, GA; six grandchildren; and two great grandchildren. Jack was predeceased by his first wife, Dorothy A. Harris Phifer; and brother, Lyle Hamilton Phifer, PhD. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, March 21st, 3:00PM at First Presbyterian Church Chapel, officiated by The Reverend Joanne R. Hull. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in The Purnell Room. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 393 E. Main Street, Spartanburg, SC 29302; Mobile Meals, P O Box 461, Spartanburg, SC 29304; Presbyterian College, 503 S. Broad Street, Clinton, SC 29325; Spartanburg Regional Hospice Home, 686 Jeff Davis Drive, Spartanburg, SC 29303; or to the charity of one’s choice.