The Rev. Dr. Philip Hoyle Whitehead

The life of Philip Hoyle Whitehead, 89, ended on this earth March 13, 2024. He was born in Columbus, Ohio, the son of Harry and Mildred Kennedy Whitehead. He grew up in Tallahassee, Florida and received a bachelor's degree and a Master of Divinity at the University of the South at Sewanee, Tennessee. After graduation from Seminary and ordination in 1960, he received a scholarship for a Master's degree in pastoral counselling at Union Theological Seminary in New York City.
Philip married the former Eleanor Ruth Kessler in 1960.
He returned to the Diocese of Florida and his first parish, St. Alban's Episcopal Church in Jacksonville, in an area of mostly Navy families. He graduated from the United States Naval Chaplaincy School and was commissioned in 1963.
In 1965, he received a call from St. Catherine's School in Richmond, Virginia, to become the school's first chaplain. Philip later was named Assistant Head of School. His zest and his skill for teaching were formed and strengthened in the rigors and discipline of the daily classroom. He and his family lived on the campus and participated in campus life, particularly with boarders.
During these years, Philip tended local parishes as supply, served in the U.S. Naval Reserve, and earned a Doctor of Ministry degree from Union Theological Seminary in Richmond.
After thirteen years, Philip was called to be rector at St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, Columbia, South Carolina, in 1978. During his rectorship of 26 years, he also cared for and served the Diocese of Upper South Carolina in various leadership roles. He especially cherished his years in the Jewish Christian council and the friends he made in that work.
After retiring in 2004, Philip enjoyed the opportunity to teach at Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary and at Midlands Technical College. He served as supply priest in various congregations, with an extended relationship with Grace Church, Camden and a regular month each summer at St. Luke's, Columbia. For five years he also served a month each summer as chaplain to the Episcopal House of the Redeemer, a retreat center in New York City.
Phillip and Eleanor chose to move to Still Hopes in 2017. For over five years he offered a monthly series, "Film and Theology," providing insight and theological reflection with the screening of a movie.
Philip was known as a good and faithful priest, committed to the care of and serving all people, for his unflagging compassion, his love of learning, his great gift of teaching, timeless patience, wise council, and boundless energy. He was a loving husband and father. Philip loved poetry and many an evening found him reading aloud or silently. His love and knowledge of music spanned compositions over the centuries. He thought sunrise was the best time of day but cherished every hour.
Philip is survived by his wife Eleanor Kessler Whitehead, daughter Sarah Kennedy Whitehead, son Philip Keyes Yonge Whitehead, brother Don Alan Whitehead, nieces Elizabeth Leslie Whitehead and Margaret Cecile Whitehead-Kern (Thomas Kevin Kern), nephews Don Alan Whitehead, Jr., and Tod Raines Whitehead, great-nieces and nephews, and beloved godsons, goddaughters and friends. He was predeceased by his parents.
The Rite for the Burial of the Dead will be celebrated at Trinity Cathedral, 1100 Sumter Street, Columbia, South Carolina at 4.00 p.m. on March 23, 2024. Visitation will be at the Cathedral prior to the service in Satterlee Hall from 2.30 – 3.30 p.m. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Michael's & All Angels, 6408 Bridgewood Rd, Columbia, SC 29206, Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 1100 Sumter St, Columbia, SC 29201, or Harvest Hope Food Bank, 2220 Shop Rd, Columbia, SC 29201.
Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.