Phillip William Wharton was born in Chicago, Illinois, to Casher Perry Wharton and Shirley Wharton (née Terry). At about age seven he entered foster care with William and Rosena Stimley, who cared for him deeply. Mrs. Stimley fondly called him her “curly haired boy,” a name that captured his brightness and joy as a child. His foster sister, Nesby Thomas, and her daughter, Tamara (Tammy) Mayberry-Davis, remained important members of his family circle throughout his life.
Phil entered the U.S. Army on September 9, 1976, serving honorably as an Ammunition Specialist until September 8, 1979. Stationed at Fort Bragg, he also performed with the Fort Bragg Playhouse in productions such as Mr. Roberts. The Army years brought him lifelong friendships and widened his love of design, photography, and travel.
After his service, Phil studied at the Art Institute of Chicago and went on to build a career in architecture and design. He ran his own firm, Phillip Wharton Design, worked with 360 Communications and Alltel, and later spent nearly a decade with Nevin Labs/DentalEZ, designing dental offices. He enjoyed his time there and formed close bonds with coworkers who became like family.
Phil’s passions stretched across music, art, travel, food, and culture. He loved Jimi Hendrix, Santana, and The Temptations’ Silent Night, which he sang in both the low and high parts with equal joy. He was also a proud Bears fan who knew every word to the Super Bowl Shuffle. As a boy he devoured comic books, a love that grew into a lifelong enjoyment of Marvel stories, science fiction, Star Wars, and Star Trek. He entertained himself and others sketching designs like the Batmobile or experimenting with 3D design programs, always imagining what could be created next.
Phil was kind, caring, and big-hearted. He looked after his brother Perry and supported neighbors, and he was always willing to lend a hand. He cherished time with his nephew Matthew, his brother Perry, his sister-in-law Monica, and his nephew George. , his foster sister Nesby, and her daughter Tammy. He was deeply connected to his longtime friends Jeff and Karin, Mark, Tony and Chris, and Pete, and countless others who enriched his life. More than anything, he was devoted to his daughter, Ariana, the greatest joy of his life, who shared his love of food, travel, and adventure.
His laugh, warmth, and spirit filled every room he entered. A great tree has fallen, and the world feels smaller without him. Phil will be remembered for his creativity, resilience, and the deep love he gave to family and friends.
He is survived by his daughter, Ariana Wharton, his brother, Perry Wharton, his sister-in-law Monica Wharton-Dumetz, his nephew George Barnett, his foster sister Nesby Thomas, her daughter Tamara Mayberry-Davis, and a wide circle of family and friends who will carry his memory forward.
Here is a link to the Veterans Cemetery sitehttps://www.vlm.cem.va.gov/PHILLIPWILLIAMWHARTON/aa767b
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