Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Phillip Mather Obituary
Born in Cleveland, Ohio, he was the son of the late Phillip Ralph Mather and Mildred Henderson Mather. Phil graduated from the Citadel in 1963, where he was a member of the Summerall Guard. He retired from the military in 1966 at the rank of Captain, having served near Frankfurt, Germany, and was a U.S. Army Airborne Ranger.
Phil loved teaching and had taught at Myrtle Beach High School, Horry Georgetown Technical College, and currently taught at Carolina Bays Academy. He also had worked with Myrtle Beach Heating and Cooling for many years.
He was a member of Socastee United Methodist Church where he sang in the choir, and was also a member of the World View Tuesday Meeting club.
A sister, Elizabeth, preceded Phil in death.
Surviving are his wife, Gilda Drew Mather; son, Phillip Drew Mather and wife, Chihiro, of Rock Springs, Wyo.; daughter, Melissa Mather and husband, Erich Fritz, of Austin, Texas; grandson, Miles Lincoln Fritzmather of Austin, Texas; and a brother, William F. Mather of Pine Bluff, N.C.
Services will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, February 20, 2008 at Socastee United Methodist Church, with Pastor Ray Smith officiating. Interment will follow in Southeastern Memorial Gardens. The family received friends from 6 until 8 p.m. Tuesday, February 19, 2008 at Goldfinch Funeral Home, Beach Chapel.
Please sign guest book at goldfinchfuneralhome.com.
Memorials may be made to Mesothelioma Program, in care of: David J. Sugarbaker, MD, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Division of Thoracis Surgery, 75 Francis St., Boston, MA 02115.
Goldfinch Funeral Home, Beach Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Phillip Mather
April 9, 2008
Unfortunately, I never met Phil Mather, nor his wife and daughter. I have had the very good fortune, though, of knowing his son, Drew, for 20 years since our freshman year in college together, and Capt. Mather had much to be proud of. I can think of his passing as only a grave loss since he was apparently the sort of man who could leave a legacy of such a funny, smart, gentle, and kind son. The earlier postings in this Guest Book confirm that suspicion. My most heartfelt condolences to Mrs. Mather, Melissa, and Drew. While pain inevitably attends this sort of loss, may your memories of him turn that pain more and more into a source of strength and peace simply because you knew him, loved him, and felt him in your lives.
Julie & Steve Son
March 2, 2008
Mrs. Mather, Drew and Melissa - We are thinking of you often, and fondly remembering Phil's kindnesses and good humor every time we had the pleasure of his company. We are going to miss especially his love of riddles and other brain teasers, and the all-in-fun jokes and laughter. We will miss his wonderful spirit!
Jerry Mitchell
February 21, 2008
Sorry to hear of Phil's passing. My prayers go out to the family.
Jerry Mitchell K co. '62
Rodger Plemmons
February 20, 2008
One of the nicest people I have known, Phillip will be missed.
Richie,Christine,Kennedy,Richie and Christopher Drew
February 20, 2008
Our hearts go out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
Barbara Proffitt
February 20, 2008
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.
Stan, Denise and Sarah Parker
February 19, 2008
You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Phil was a very kind, thoughtful and caring man and will be missed at church.
Roger Brock
February 19, 2008
Gilda, Drew and Family:
I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of Phil. You are in my prayers. I remember when Drew maded Eagle. It seems like only yesterday.
Esther P Boyd
February 19, 2008
Gilda, Drew, Melissa, & Family,
I'm so sorry to read of Phillip's passing. He was a good friend and a good man. Gilda, I know that you remember that we all had many good conversations and good times together.
I know you will miss him, but I know he is doing excellently now.
You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Esther
Jimmy, Tracey & Jay King
February 19, 2008
Gilda & family,
We are sorry to hear about you losing a family member. You can always know that he is in a better place & will always watch over you in everything you do. We will keep you in our thoughts & prayers.
Ted Lauretano
February 19, 2008
Gilda, Misi, Drew and family,
I can't tell you how sorry I am about Phil. If there is anything I can do for you, please don't hesitate to call. You are in my prayers, and have me deepest sympathy and condolences.
Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results
Make a Donation
in Phillip Mather's name
Memorial Events
for Phillip Mather
How to support Phillip's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Phillip Mather's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
