Phillip Paul "Phil" Blazer

Phillip Paul “Phil” Blazer, 89, of Greenville, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at Rolling Green Village in Greenville.

Born on February 25, 1936, in Munhall, Pennsylvania, to Felix and Genevieve Blazer (formerly of Pittsburgh, PA), Phil grew up with a competitive spirit and strong work ethic that would define his remarkable life.

An outstanding athlete, Phil was an All-American football player at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he served as co-captain of the 1958 Tar Heels team. He went on to play professionally as an offensive guard for the Buffalo Bills in the American Football League during the 1960 and 1961 seasons.

After his football career, Phil built a successful professional life, working for Wrenn Handling and retiring as Executive Vice President. He and his beloved wife, Doris A. Blazer, shared a deep love of travel, exploring the globe together for many joyful years. Closer to home, they cherished family above all—especially creating lasting memories by taking each of their grandchildren on their own special individual trip.

Phil also found great pleasure on the golf course, enjoying the game and the camaraderie it brought. He frequently took golf trips with his friends including a once-in-a-lifetime trip to St. Andrews, Scotland.

Phil is survived by his devoted wife of 69 years, Doris A. Blazer, who resides at Rolling Green Village; their children, Stephen and Debbie Blazer, Chryse Walker, Jessie Henson, and Mike and Kathy Blazer; seven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, Felix and Genevieve Blazer.

In keeping with Phil’s wishes, there will be no formal service or funeral. His family invites those who knew and loved him to remember him in their own quiet ways—perhaps by recalling a favorite story from his gridiron days, a travel adventure, a round of golf, or the warmth he brought to family gatherings.

Phil’s legacy of excellence, adventure, and unwavering family love will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate to know him. He will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

With love, The Blazer Family

In loving memory of Phil, whose spirit touched the lives of many, we invite family and friends to celebrate his memory through a heartfelt Tribute Tune entitled "Leave It All On the Field." To honor Phil's memory and to experience the beauty of this tribute, please click here, “Leave It All On the Field” to listen.