William L. Phifer Sr.

William Louis Phifer, Sr. was born February 11, 1932, the son of Percy and Alberta (Wagner) Phifer, Sr. in Youngstown, Ohio. Mr. Phifer peacefully transitioned on December 23, 2022, with loved ones by his bedside. He was a member of Mt. Calvary Pentecostal Church for over 40 years before moving to Reynoldsburg, Ohio, where he became a member of ReBirth Worship Center under Apostle Darren Thomas. In 2019, he received the title of “Father of the Church” a recognition he was honored to hold.

Mr. Phifer worked for CSX Railroad for 30 years, retiring in 1998. He was a lover of sports—which he passed down to his girls, Monique and Michelle. He was an avid football fan of the Cleveland Browns and a coerced fan of the Dallas Cowboys. Mr. Phifer was a family man. His greatest passion was helping those in need. He often brought those who were homeless or without families to Thanksgiving dinner in our home. He loved working on cars and fishing. His grandson, Coya, Jr. said, “he was the man who could do anything in a chair.” He would often fix furniture or the plumbing from a chair. All he needed was wheels on the chair and look at him go! He also was known for how well he cooked. Many would gather to eat his cooking. He was a “man’s man” but knew how to help around the house by helping with the children. He was a robust man with a gentle soul, quiet in nature until you piqued his interest in a conversation. He was a protector of his family. If you cursed in front of his wife and children, there would be consequences. Mr. Phifer was humorous, kind, and loving. His family was very important to him. He was a lover of God and found his hope in Jesus Christ. He leaves to cherish his memory, his beloved wife of 50 years, Joyce Tellington-Phifer, whom he married July 1, 1972, at the Chapel of Friendly Bells in Youngstown, Ohio; two daughters, Monique Phifer and Michelle Phifer of Reynoldsburg, Ohio; two stepsons, Coya Tellington and Anthony Tellington of Youngstown, and a grandson that he reared, Lawrence Dreher, also of Youngstown, along with a nephew, Richard (Linda) Baskins of Texas. He leaves three children from a previous marriage to the late Margaret (Henderson) Phifer, Alberta Rhodes and Margaret (Virdree) Thompson of Fairborn, Ohio, and Roy (Mary) Phifer of Canal Winchester, Ohio.

He leaves 18 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great-grandchildren--quite a legacy!

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Betty Phifer, brother, Percy Phifer, Jr., his son William L. Phifer Jr., stepchildren: Edna Gatewood, Ronald Henderson, Lawrence Henderson, Lawrence Tellington, granddaughter Dionna Looper, grandson Antoine Kirkle, and great-grandson Darquis Wood.

Visitation will be held 1:00 pm Saturday, December 31, 2022 at Schoedinger East, 5360 E. Livingston Ave., Columbus, OH 43232, where the Homegoing Service will begin at 2:00 pm.