PHILLIP COURTNEY RICHARDSON SR.

Phillip Courtney Richardson Sr., beloved husband of Sandra F. Richardson, died on Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2021.

He was the adored father to Christina C. Richardson and Phillip C. "Jay" Richardson Jr.; and father-in-law to Callison Rawl Richardson. The coming arrival of his first grandchild, Phillip Augustine "Gus" Richardson was one of Phil's most eagerly anticipated life events.

He was a son of the late Sen. Henry B. "Punch" Richardson and Thelma S. Richardson. Phillip was born in 1950 in Sumter. He is a direct descendant of six South Carolina governors, dating from the pre-Revolutionary America. His passion for politics and love of history were well-known throughout the state, and he played an active role in campaigning for many local, state and national candidates.

Phillip received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from the University of South Carolina. He used this knowledge as the foundation for establishing his highly respected landscaping and irrigation business, which served Sumter and surrounding counties for more than 40 years and received many prestigious local and state awards for excellence.

It was through his business that Phillip also mentored and trained numbers of Sumter County's young men, several of whom now own and operate their own businesses. Phillip was well-known as one of the hardest working men in the county and enjoyed passing on a strong work ethic and pride in workmanship to those he mentored. Phillip was a licensed real estate agent with Berkshire Hathaway, John M. Brabham Real Estate.

Phillip enjoyed memberships in The Society of High Hills of Santee, The Millwood Club, and was a former member of several humanitarian clubs in Sumter. He attended Trinity Methodist Church and greatly enjoyed their Men's Club.

But by far, his greatest loves were his home, family and friends. He knew everyone, or at least someone related to everyone, and enjoyed nothing more than a gathering of like-minded friends for fellowship and good food. His love of family and friends, his ready smile and humility, and especially his willingness to lend a helping hand to all, is his greatest legacy.

The family has chosen to postpone a celebration of Phillip's life to a later date due to the present widespread of the COVID virus.

A visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday at Bullock Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to St. Mark's Episcopal Church, Trinity Methodist Church, the Wounded Warriors Project or the Sumter SPCA.

Please observe COVID protocols.

You may go to www.bullockfuneralhome.com and sign the family's guest book.

The family has chosen Bullock Funeral Home for the arrangements.