Lester E. Phillips, IV

Lester Evan Phillips IV, a man of profound resilience, musical talent, and devoted family man, passed away Saturday, July 18, 2026, leaving a legacy of courage, strength and love.  Born on December 15, 1951, Lester was a proud son of Elbetha Jones-Woods & Lester E. Phillips III. 

Born into a military family, Lester’s early years were shaped by travels across France, Holland, and Wales before his family settled in Columbia’s Greenview Community.

A gifted musician, Lester’s journey began in Richland School District One, where he played the trumpet in the Eau Claire High School marching band. As an academic scholar, he received the honor and recognition of Who’s Who Among Americans High School Students.  He went on to attend The Citadel in Charleston, SC, where he stood as a pioneer during a period of immense social challenges. As one of only sixteen Black students in a student body of 2,500, he faced prejudice with unwavering strength, becoming the academy’s first Black bagpiper and the first Black member of the wrestling team. His voice was equally powerful as he shared his gifted tenor voice as a soloist in the choir and with a quartet.

In 1972, Lester continued his education at the University of South Carolina, where he became a proud member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Charter Line in 1973, and even took to the skies with the university’s parachute team.  He graduated in 1977 with a degree in Political Science.

A man of deep faith, Lester was raised in the church, serving as an altar boy and later finding his spiritual homes at St. Luke Baptist Church and Second Calvary Baptist Church, before becoming a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church College Place.

His professional life was defined by hard work and versatility. After five years as an Insurance Adjuster for the SC Department of Insurance, he attended and completed truck driving school, where he transitioned to traveling on the road, supplying goods to various companies. He furthered his career driving for the South Carolina Department of Corrections for over fifteen years, delivering essential supplies across the state until his retirement in April 2022.

He was an avid pit master, famous for his ribs and ribeye steaks.  He found great joy in remodeling projects.

Lester is reunited with his parents, Elbetha Jones-Woods and Lester E. Phillips III; and his brother, Eric Furnance.

His memory will be cherished by his children, Lester “Ernie” Phillips V, Maya R. Phillips, and Shayla N. Jones;  stepmother, Alice Phillips; siblings, Marvis (Reubin) Bookert, Travis Phillips, Sonja Wilson-Phillips, Michael Phillips, Cora (Chris) Neely, and Christopher Phillips; his aunt, Elizabeth Graham; and a host of extended family members and dear friends all of whom will miss him dearly.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Lester E. Phillips, IV, please visit our floral store.