Philip Cauthen Okey

Philip Cauthen Okey, 78, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, died peacefully at his home in Rock Hill, South Carolina, on June 18, 2025. Philip is survived by his devoted wife Susanne McElveen Okey; children Elizabeth Sweet (Howard) and grandchildren, Mercy and Oscar; Katherine Addison (Scott) and grandchildren Kate, Claire, and Lydia; Philip Okey, Jr. (Maureen) and grandchildren Raine, Regina, Colin, and Amelia. Philip is also survived by his three adoring sisters, Chris Okey Williamson, Susan Okey McLeod, and Margaret Okey Zapack along with many nieces, nephews, and a large loving extended family. Philip is predeceased by his father, Charles Lamb Okey, Jr., mother, Christine Cauthen Okey, and older brother Charles Lamb Okey III. Philip was born in Rock Hill, SC on March 15, 1947. A "baby boomer" in the absolute best sense of the term, Philip, along with his peers, represented the hope of a victorious nation as well as the end of a years-long separation due to his father's deployment. Learning about WWII later became a passion for Philip, one which ultimately culminated in authoring a book detailing his father's WWII experience in the Pacific Theater, published just days before his passing away. Philip cherished his memories of growing up in Rock Hill and attending Winthrop Training School, where he was an athlete, scholar, and friend to all. He started dating the love of his life, Susanne, when he was a senior in high school and she was a sophomore. Philip attended Clemson University where he earned a bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering and completed the ROTC program, entering the US Army as a Second Lieutenant. After graduation, Philip married his beloved Susanne, beginning a 55 year marriage. The newlyweds were stationed in Texas during the Vietnam War. After his honorable discharge, the couple returned to Rock Hill to begin family life. Philip's career with Celanese led the young family to move to Virginia for several years before returning to Rock Hill, followed by a move to New Jersey. His corporate management position provided many opportunities for domestic and international travel, particularly to Germany. After returning permanently to Rock Hill in the late 1990's, Philip found new opportunity and enjoyment working for the City of Rock Hill. Philip's love for Rock Hill can be seen in many of the projects he spearheaded, including the Riverwalk Velodrome and numerous beautification projects surrounding Dave Lyle Boulevard. Philip's personal interests were varied, and he devoted himself to community service and hobbies with equal focus and dedication. Philip was an active member of the Episcopal Church of Our Savior where he served in many capacities-vestry member, Junior and Senior Warden, usher, and chorister. Over the years, his work ethic and good humor led to many leadership roles in the community. In later life Philip continued to fill his time with family, church, travel, hobbies, and service. "Papa" took great joy in spending time with all of his grandchildren, whether on family beach or mountain trips, puttering around his woodshop, or playing endless games of cards at home. Philip was a talented woodworker and used his skills to make beautiful and useful pieces for his church, including a cabinet used to hold materials for baptisms, as well as furniture and other household items. Philip and Susanne loved to travel, and their journeys covered many European countries as well as destinations across the US and Canada. Everywhere he went, his outgoing nature and zest for life was apparent, and he always returned with tales of new adventures and friends made. He was a longtime member of the "Worthy Boys" and enjoyed many weekends of fishing, shrimping and hijinks in the South Carolina lowcountry. In later years, Philip found a tribe of like-minded souls affectionately called "The Grumpy Old Men" whose passion for discussing politics and current events with a humorous spin matched his own. Philip's most enduring legacy by far is his loving marriage, and the family that he and Susanne raised. His steadfast love, inherent optimism, good humor and quick wit made him the best possible husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, brother, son, uncle, cousin, and friend. Philip will be remembered for telling the best stories, always having a joke at the ready, giving excellent advice, and bringing wisdom and joy to every situation. His gifts for finding the opportunity in every setback and seeing the best in others made him a role model and inspiration for everyone around him. The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to Philip's medical team for their expertise and guidance, including Via Health Partners, especially Shellie Webb; Memory and Movement Charlotte, especially Dr. Aristides Chaconas; Levine's Cancer Center, especially Dr. Seungjean Chai and Dr. Armida Perala-Metz; and his personal physician Dr. Randolph Villamor. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 28 at 2:00pm at the Episcopal Church of Our Saviour 144 Caldwell St., Rock Hill, SC, followed by a reception in the parish hall. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Philip's honor to the Episcopal Church of Our Saviour (144 Caldwell St., Rock Hill, SC 29730) or Memory and Movement Charlotte (411 Billingsley Rd., Charlotte, NC 28211).