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Phil Wilmeth Obituary
Anderson - Dr. John Philip Wilmeth, 68, of Anderson, South Carolina suffered a heart attack on Friday, January 11th, in Mt. Pleasant, SC, and died shortly thereafter. His wife Anne was with him, and she held him in his last moments.
Phil was born on March 24, 1950 to the late Philip and Harriet (Perkins) Wilmeth in Hartsville, SC. Alumnus of Yale University and the Medical University of South Carolina, he practiced Ophthalmology at Medicus of Anderson for 33 years, restoring life and sight to countless patients.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his sons, Br. Augustine (Philip), O.S.B. and John Parker; his brother, Lester, and his two sisters, Libby Smith and Harriet.
Visitation will be from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 16, at Sullivan-King Mortuary, 3205 North Highway 81, Anderson, SC. A Rosary will be prayed at 7:30 p.m.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:00 p.m. Thursday, January 17, 2019, at St. Mary's Catholic Church of Greenville, SC, with Fr. Jay Scott Newman officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary's Catholic Church, 111 Hampton Avenue, Greenville, SC 29601.
To send online condolences, please visit www.legacy.com or www.sullivanking.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Phil Wilmeth
Sponsored by Sullivan-King Mortuary & Crematory - Anderson Northeast Chapel - Anderson.
Lonna Saunders
September 15, 2025
I knew Phil when he was a student at Yale and I was at sister school Vassar. I invited him to be my escort for Christmas House Parties Weekend at Vassar my sophomore year. He was a senior at Yale. I smiled when I read his obit about his taming snakes. He was very proud of the boa constrictor he kept in his dorm room at Yale. I never visited his Yale dorm room so never saw the snake. We just had that one date because I was concerned about his interest in taming snakes! However, I thought about Phil again and decided to look him up online, when I came across a photograph he took Christmas House Parties weekend. He was a great photographer as also mentioned in his obit. I am Catholic too and will pray for the repose of his soul. My deepest condolences, Lonna Saunders
Clancy and Linda DelForge
February 23, 2021
We were remembering fondly our visits with the family so many years ago and decided to search to see whether we might contact Phil and Ann. We were so disappointed to find Phil’s obituary. He was such a brilliant and thoughtful person. We remember a little red headed boy who “‘preciated” a gift we brought when we visited and the many macaws being hand reared. Phil was doing photography using large glass plates. Of course we sat for what would become favorite pictures which we still cherish. Ann was a gracious hostess. Our hearts and prayers are with the family. We would love to correspond with Ann if she would be interested.
Dottie Morgan
August 18, 2019
I'm so heartbroken over the loss of the very best Ophthalmologist I've ever seen and known. I've seen Dr. Wilmeth for over 20 years. Lasik, glasses, contacts and Botox parties that I set up at my Spa. I still got Botox as the years passed and he was the only one I've ever trusted to do it. I called to make an appointment this past Thursday and was told he had passed. I cried like a baby. I'm simply shocked and just heartbroken. I moved away from Anderson about five years ago and I still drove many, many miles to only see him. I have no need to return. Dear family, I'm so very sorry for your loss. I can't even imagine what you're going through. My heart breaks for you and I'm praying fervently for you all. God Bless You All!
Mike & Evelyn Elrod
July 8, 2019
Dear Personal and Practice Families, We are in shock as we just tried to make an appointment and learned of our dear Dr. Wilmeth's sudden passing. He started treating our son as an early teen, he treated my husband's parents (cataract surgery), and of course my husband and myself. His quiet nature gave us confidence in his practice and we referred several friends to him. We are blessed to have known him professionally. God bless you with His love and your memories.
Fr Philip Gillespie
March 24, 2019
Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.
David Smith
March 21, 2019
I'm very sorry to hear of Phil's passing. We were junior officers on the USS fearless out of Charleston 1973 to 1975. He was the engineering officer and I was the deck and supply officer. I was recently in San Diego and while there visited the naval base field house named for the highly regarded and respected captain of our ship, Jay Prout, who years later became an admiral. Phil and I greatly admired him. I photographed memorabilia and pictures of our ship and of Jay while there and upon return this week was planning on sharing those pictures with Phil. I knew he would be greatly interested.
Phil and I spent thousands of hours together on the ship. We would go on liberty together in foreign ports . Phil invited me to come to his home for a weekend in Hardwick South Carolina to go dove hunting. He was a hard-working, intelligent, kind and efficient officer. He was the best ship handler on the ship!
I left the ship after two years and went to medical school and went into ophthalmology. I was attending a national convention years later and saw someone walking in front of me on the convention floor who looked very familiar. I caught up with him and if it wasn't Phil! What are the chances of two officers on a small ship both going into medicine and then ophthalmology?
I am sure Phil was the same type of ophthalmologist as he was Naval officer a great credit to his profession.
I am honored to have served with Phil in the Navy. I am very sad to hear of his passing.
Thomas Washington
March 5, 2019
I just learned of Dr. Wilmeth's passing when I went to make an appointment for an exam. He was my ophthalmologist for many years, and I had the utmost respect for him and his skills. I will truly miss him. My condolences to his family at the time their loss.
Lynn H Hackett MD
February 9, 2019
I just learned of Phil's death, and am very sadded by the news. We were classmates at MUSC. During our four years there we studied hard and ate oysters and shrimp when we could. At one of our gatherings, Phil cooked up a big batch of Frogmore stew. Although I'm a native South Carolinian, I grew up in a military family, only living here for a few months until medical school. I had never heard of Frogmore stew. Phil taught me how to make it that afternoon under the live oaks. He was a fine and generous man. My condolences to his family.
Norm Atwater
February 6, 2019
To the family of Dr Wilmeth
I have been over seas and just got back and called for an appoint today and was told of the sad news my condolences to the family . Dr Wilmeth did the cataract surgery on my self & my wife he was such a pleasant person to have as our Eye Dr. We had some things in common we talked about as i am retired Navy and the doctor did a tour in the Navy in his younger days as a Chief Engineer on a U.S Navy Sea going Tug .
Thanks Dr Wilmeth for making this old Navy Senior Chief see so much better . RIP Shipmate
PHYLLIS WILLIS
February 1, 2019
I AND MY DAD, ARE THE BLESSED RECIPIENTS OF DR WILMETH'S EYE SURGERY. WE ENCOURAGED ANYONE WITH VISION PROBLEMS TO SEE HIM. DR WILMETH'S CARING NATURE AND BEING ABLE TO SEE WITH CLARITY, THE BEAUTIFUL PHOTOGRAPHS THAT HUNG IN THE OFFICE WAS AMAZING. WE THANK HIM FOR HIS SERVICE TO US.
Catherine Cat Richardson
January 24, 2019
To The Family,
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. Our deepest condolences and prayers are with you.
Love Cat,
Constantine & Renee Stratos
January 19, 2019
We are sorry for your loss.
May God be him eternally.
Mona Black
January 18, 2019
Dr. Wilmeth was a kind man and a great doctor...
He gave me back my vision and I will miss him much.I
I enjoyed the fascinating pictures of his travels and hunting trips.
I send my sympathy to his family.
Lois Cook
January 18, 2019
Dr. Wilmeth was a great teacher and employee advocate. He wasn't afraid to step out on a new adventure and he gave it his all. I am proud to say I knew him and got to work with him for 26 years and also got to see his practice grow . He has left a Legancy for so many people's lives he has touched .
Gerald W. Campbell
January 18, 2019
To the family of Dr. Wilmeth. He was a most kind and caring man who was passionate about his talents, his many patients, of whom I was one of them, and life. I send my deepest condolences to you all during this most difficult time, and I pray that the very peace of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ be near you and keep you. May He always grant you His loving favor. God Bless You is my prayer
Lauren Knight
January 17, 2019
Dr. Wilmeth was a great doctor! I am 38 years old and have been going to see Dr. Wilmeth since I know I was 9.
He has treated me so very well. I moved from Anderson to Simpsonville but kept up going to see Dr. Wilmeth.
He has helped me with my eyes through 3 pregnancies.
I will definitely miss him dearly.
May he rest in peace. Hail Mary full of grace.
-Lauren Knight
Gerald Young
January 17, 2019
My husband just had cataract surgery by Dr. Wilmeth. He was a very caring and professional surgeon. I will miss him. Condolences to his family.
January 17, 2019
We are so saddened by the news of Phils passing. We always enjoyed our time with your family at St. Georges. We pray that you will find peace and comfort in this difficult time. His legacy will be carried on by his loving family. Give to the departed eternal rest, let light perpetual shine upon them.
Our deepest condolences,
The Vaughn Family
Wes Beck
January 17, 2019
He will be missed and I often think about him
January 17, 2019
Dr. Wilmeth was a super good doctor. He was thorough and kind. We will all miss him very much. My husband and I were both patients of his and were so happy to have him for our eye doctor. He was great!! We will surly miss him. Our prayers are with his family. God bless you.
Marion and Betty Shifflet
Myron Tanenbaum
January 17, 2019
I had the great privilege of being a co-Resident-in-Training with Phil in the early-mid 1980's at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami. Hard-working, modest, and a truly caring physician to all of his patients, it was obvious then that Phil would go on to be a pillar of his community, and the type of doctor that any of his colleagues would highly recommend to their friends and family. Phil was a wonderful colleague and friend (and yes, in a quiet, humble way had a most funny sense of humor and irony). Phil will be greatly missed by any & all who knew him. My deepest heartfelt sympathies to Anne and family.
jamie Sims
January 17, 2019
Dr Wilmeth treated me often as a 13 year old in 1986-1989 after an accident. We was also so thorough and caring and compassionate, especially with me being 13 and pretty shook up. I appreciated him so very much and am truly sorry for you loss.
June Kickham
January 16, 2019
Dr. Wilmeth will be deeply missed by me, one of his many patients. He was so precise and thorough. He had so many talents and was so kind to everyone. God must have needed him in Heaven. My prayers go out to his family and all those who worked with him on a daily basis. The town of Anderson will be at a great loss without this fine doctor. Thank you Dr. Wilmeth for restoring sight to many residents of this town and nearby cities.
Ann Romano-Fuller
January 16, 2019
God bless you sir! Thank you for your service both in the Military and to the Many people you have helped in Optics! You were my mothers Eye Dr. & My Sisters Eye Dr. You will be missed. To your wife I say God bless you Mam, My prayers are that The Love of Jesus our Lord & Savoir be with you. Amen
Patricia Learnard
January 16, 2019
My husband was a grateful patient for several years. Dr. Wilmeth was always pleasant and informative. We loved hearing of his travels to Africa. I am sorry to hear of his sudden passing. My condolences are to be extended to the family.
January 16, 2019
Dear John Parker - I am deeply sorry for your loss. Please know my thoughts and prayers, and those of your fellow students and faculty, are with you and your family at this difficult time.
In sympathy,
Michael Lykoudis
Linda Kinney
January 16, 2019
I was not a patient of Dr. Wilmeth for very long, but I found him to be a very gentle, carding man. My condolences to his family and friends.
Linda Kinney
.
Michael Hood
January 16, 2019
Dr. Wilmeth was my doctor since age of 18, I am now 57 and he saved my sight from diabetes. I found him to be reserved, dedicated to his profession and his patients. I am sincerely sorry for your lost and will miss seeing him.
.
Frank Forgnoni, OD
January 16, 2019
Sorry to learn of the sudden passing of Dr. Wilmeth. May his family & friends be comforted with sweet memories and
knowing he is now in heaven with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Kathy McGee
January 16, 2019
My mother, Katherine Holcomb was a patient of Dr. Wilmeth in the early '90's. She was a beautiful woman but was a double amputee (up to her hips). When he removed her cataracts it was an awkard situation getting her situated comfortably for the procedure. But Dr. Wilmeth was so kind and gentle and showed her such dignity and patience that she nor her family has never forgotten. My mother loved him. My husband, Steve and I were patients, too, and we will certainly miss him. God's blessings and comfort to his family.
Dawn Hawkins
January 16, 2019
Dearest Anne and boys, I was so saddened to hear of Phil's sudden and unexpected passing. He was a wonderful man whose family meant everything to him. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers. Love , Dawn
January 16, 2019
So sorry for Dr Wilmeths' family, as well as his staff, patients, & many friends. As a patient he made me feel I was receiving the best of care, a feeling of confidence in a very comfortable friendly atmosphere. He took the time to share his love of nature, his profession, & his service to his country!
He injected interesting little details of his daily life that told of his love & devotion for his family, always with a smile that seemed to say this or that memory
was very special to him. He was such an easy guy to talk to, so interesting to listen to. I will truly miss him, as a friend, and a patient.
Just one guy who thought he was the best!!
Pam (Beischer) Dampier
January 15, 2019
My dearest Anne, my heart goes out to you Philip and John Parker. My prayers are with you and your family during this heartbreaking time. All my love..
Lois Romano
January 15, 2019
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. He was a great Dr.
Janet and Tom Krupka
January 15, 2019
Anne, John Parker, and Br. Augustine, We are so sorry for your loss. You are all in our prayers. Janet and Tom Krupka
Mary Lou Parisi
January 15, 2019
I worked on several projects with Dr. Wilmeth and always found him to be a very kind, generous person. My deepest condolences.
Ashley Wilson
January 15, 2019
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Greta Jacobsen
January 15, 2019
My deepest sympathy, dear Anne, Phillip and John Parker at this saddest of times. Our gracious Father in heaven above, is with you, every moment. He will bring you peace that passeth all understanding.
Sanjeev Kumar
January 15, 2019
He was my daughters doctor. We just met him on Wednesday and we were admiring his pictures from Africa. RIP. God Bless his soul. Prayers for family.
Wilkins Byrd
January 15, 2019
So sad to hear of Phil's death. Deepest sympathy to Anne, their sons and the rest of the family. Phil was a great childhood friend and classmate.
Cindy Davis
January 15, 2019
Prayers and love sent your way Anne, Br Augustine, and JP. Phil was a great man with a beautiful soul and he will be greatly missed.
Dorothy Bismack
January 15, 2019
My thoughts and prayers are with Anne and the family in this sad time. God Bless you.
Marlene Wiles
January 15, 2019
Dr. Wilmeth will certainly be missed. He was a great man as well as a wonderful doctor. My condolences to the family during this difficult time.
Marlene Wiles (Patient from Iva, SC)
Jeanette Cheek
January 15, 2019
So sorry that this kind caring person has gone on to his heavenly home. He will be missed so very much.
Theresa Page
January 15, 2019
So sorry for the loss of Dr. Wilmeth. I often received referral from him to provide services. He will be greatly missed.
Gail Mullinax
January 15, 2019
Dr. Wilmeth was a wonderful , caring, and most intelligent doctor. He cared for me, and my children. He will be sorely missed.
Diana James
January 15, 2019
So very sorry to hear this, as I often had mutual patients with Dr. Wilmeth and all spoke so highly of him ; it will be a great loss in our professional community as well as to all family and friends. Prayers for all, for all. In Christian sympathy, Dr. Diana C. James
Lisa Gibson
January 15, 2019
To Anne,Phillip, and John Parker- we are so very sorry to hear this news. It seems like yesterday when we were all attending functions at the Montessori School of Anderson. Sending prayers. Clay and Lisa Gibson
January 15, 2019
Anne and boys, So sorry to hear about Dr. Wilmeth. It was an honor to know and work with him at Medicus. Prayers for you and your entire family. Pat Fouts
Brenda Herring
January 14, 2019
I saw Dr. Wilmeth Jan. 9. He did my eye surgery in December. Great Doctor. He smiled and gave me a hand shake and said my new lens were in place. Told me he wanted to see me in a month. Sure will miss him. Prayers for the family. GOD Bless the family
Cleo Robinson
January 14, 2019
I was so blessed to have you treat my premie daughter in 1987 and do her stribismis surgery when she was in high school. You took great care of me also! I had an appointment with you coming up! Im so sorry that you wont be there! Rest in peace Doc! My deepest sympathy to his family. Gone but never forgotten!!!! #ONESPECIALMAN
Holly Cope
January 14, 2019
I'm glad I had the opportunity to work with Dr Wimeth many years ago. He was such a wonderful man. Please accept my sincere condolences to his family and the Medical family as well..
Sherri Harris
January 14, 2019
Dr Wilmeth was a great man, who helped many a person , to which I am one of them, my prayers are with his family! He will be missed
Vicki Ward
January 14, 2019
Anne, you and the boys are in my prayers! We are all heartbroken at work. He was very loved and respected by us all! I hope he knew how much he meant to us all! So glad you were with him! If you need anything please dont hesitate to call! Love you, Vicki Shaw Ward
Sonja Heaton
January 14, 2019
Our thought and prayers are with you, today, tomorrow and the many days ahead. He will truly be missed by many.
Dale Duncan
January 14, 2019
So very sorry to hear of his passing. I have worked with him for many years and he always was the consummate gentleman. He will certainly be missed.
Janice Brock
January 14, 2019
Dear Anne, Br. Augustine and John Parker,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Praying God beings you courage, comfort and peace to face the days ahead. Dr. Wilmeth will certainly be missed, it was an honor to have worked with him for 33 years. He was a kind man who taught me so much over the years. May God bless you all.
Margaret Poore
January 14, 2019
The Family has my deepest sympathy. Dr. Wilmeth was wonderful doctor.
Nancy Perry
January 14, 2019
Anne, we are so sorry to hear this. You and your family are in our prayers. Claud and Nancy Perry
Suzy Bailey
January 14, 2019
So, so very sorry to hear this , Anne. Holding you and your family in Gods light and love.
Kathryn Coon
January 14, 2019
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. He will definitely be missed. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Glenn and Paulette LePine
January 14, 2019
Dear Anne--May the love and support of friends and family carry you through your grief. We are here for you.
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Visitation
5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Sullivan-King Mortuary & Crematory - Anderson3205 North Highway 81, Anderson, SC 29621
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Rosary
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Sullivan-King Mortuary & Crematory - Anderson3205 North Highway 81, Anderson, SC 29621
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