Carl Wesley Phillips

Carl Wesley Phillips III, age 67 of Hilliard, passed away suddenly at home on December 23, 2022. Carl was born to Carl and Louise Phillips on November 8, 1955. 

Carl, affectionately known as “Poochie” or “Pooch” graduated from West High School, where he played football for the Cowboys. He was a running back, and was proud to hold the school record in yards, even years after graduation. 

Carl met who was to be his wife on Labor Day at a party in 1976. He saw her standing under a light and told some friends, “I am going to marry that girl!!” Prior to meeting her, he had gotten on his knees and ask God for a good woman and a good job. In the month of September, he had found both! 

He retired from General Motors after 30 years of employment. He was with “that girl” for 46 years until his passing. Married for 44 years, they were blessed with 3 sons and 1 daughter. 

Carl truly loved the Lord Jesus Christ with all his heart. He accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior, and was baptized in 1977 at Bible Way Church. He enjoyed conversations about God. As he built on his faith, he enjoyed listening to sermons and gospel music. One of his favorite ministers was Charles Stanley. His favorite singer was Debbie Ruff. His favorite song was “God has smiled on me”which often led him to tears. 

He was well known for his classic cars, and was blessed to have owned several in his lifetime. His first being a 1957 Bentley Rolls Royce which was his pride and joy! But as his own family began to grow, he graciously sold it to take care of them. 

Carl enjoyed coaching his own kids as well as others. His passion was to get our kids, especially the boys, off the streets and out of trouble. He would get off work, pick up loads of kids from the Hilltop area, and take them to the Westland area to play little league football for the Westland Cougars. The house was always filled with kids, fun, and laughter. We were known as the “Koolaid House!”

Carl loved taking family trips, especially to South Carolina. He also loved “dragging” his family all over to car shows. We tried to enjoy it with the same enthusiasm as him! 

In 2003, Carl and his wife Ericka became certified foster parents for teenage boys. Many became God sons to Carl. We were known as Momz and Popz. 

Carl enjoyed laughing and didn’t mind being silly. He especially loved to tease and joke around with people! 

He loved his family, he loved people, but most of all he loved his wife. 

Carl is preceded in death by his parents Carl and Louise Phillips, mother-in-law Elsie Stevens, father-in-law Lovell Rogers Sr., sister Carla Jackson, brothers-in-law Lovell (Randy) Rogers Jr., Dorian Cloud, and godmother Phyllis Fouse. 

He leaves to cherish his memory his loving and devoted wife of 44 years Ericka “Rickii”, his four children Andre Lamont (Tracie), Carl Wesley IV, Adrienn Lenay, and Erick Lee. Eight grandchildren Devon Elijah, Jasmyn Lenay, Devine Faith, Adrick Lamont, Jayden Lee-Julian, Rylan Lee, Aaylah Lenay, and Lamya Kathleen. Family matriarch aunt Barbara Ann Withers and family patriarch Louis Gilliam. Special brothers Tim and Howard Lipkin, and a host of wonderful relatives and awesome friends. 

A ceremony to celebrate Carl’s life will be held on Friday, January 6th 2023 at Bible Way Church, 453 S. Wheatland Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43204. Family will receive friends at 1:00pm with service at 2:00pm.