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Heart attack claims veteran lawmaker
"He tried to stay away from it, I think," said longtime friend and colleague state Rep. Herb Kirsh of Clover. Phillips, the state House representative for District 30, stood out in many ways, however. Few understood Columbia as well as he did and his words carried weight, friends and colleagues said. And in an age of increasing partisan politics, he was a respected facilitator whose experience and dedication bridged party lines. "It's absolutely stunning to think he won't be back there (in Columbia) holding down the fort," House Majority Leader James Merrill, R-Charleston, said Saturday just a few hours after hearing of Phillips' passing. Phillips, 74, died early Saturday at Upstate Carolina Medical Center after he was found unresponsive at his home by his wife. Cherokee County Coroner Dennis Fowler said he died of cardiac arrest. Born Dec. 25, 1934, Phillips' death occurred just two days after his birthday. He will be laid to rest following a 3 p.m. funeral today at East Gaffney Baptist Church. News of his death traveled fast among lawmakers and friends. Kirsh, who shared with Phillips the distinction of being the last remaining House members from the batch of 25 freshman who went to Columbia in 1979, had received four calls early Saturday morning from Gaffney, including one from Phillips's wife. House Minority Leader Harry Ott, D-St. Matthews, received the first of many calls about Phillips' passing by 7:30 a.m. "I'm going to miss that guy," Kirsh said. "I promise you that." Kirsh and Phillips, who had once shared an apartment during their early years in Columbia, had a long-running joke about seniority. Though elected the same year, Kirsh got the nod in seniority because his name came first alphabetically. Kirsh has the number 1 on his state legislator license plate. Phillips had the number 2. "He (Phillips) wanted to get to number one," Kirsh remembered fondly. "I told him no way, I'm not going anywhere." Phillips' passing was greeted with sadness on many levels. "He knew politics backwards and forwards," said former House District 29 Rep. DeWitt McCraw, who served with Phillips for 16 years. "Even though we didn't vote the same way all the time, there was never a harsh word between us because we always knew we were friends." Phillips was widely known for lending Cherokee County residents a ready ear for their problems and concerns. "I had a great deal of respect for him," said Joan Wheeler, former chairwoman of the Cherokee County Republican Party. "He will be missed by a lot of people. He was real good with constituent service. He was a lot like (former U.S. Senator) Strom Thurmond in that respect." Mary Michaels, former vicechairman of the Cherokee County Democrat Party, remembered Phillips' longtime love of both politics and public service. "I can remember from a young age he was extremely interested in politics," she said. "He used to go to the courthouse on election night and sit and wait for the vote totals." She believed his passing represents a "tremendous loss" for the county. "For 30 years, he put the county first. He was one of the few politicians who was completely devoted to the state and county," she said. W.B. Cook, a friend and Broad River Electric Co-Op official offered, "This is a big loss." He said of Phillips, "He was very well thought of and always responsive to constituent needs." Although he was a Democrat, Phillips was lauded for his willingness and ability to reach across the aisle. "I think he was willing to work with everybody," said Merrill. "What party they came from didn't matter," he added. "It only mattered if it was a good idea." So respected was Phillips' knowledge and experience, Merrill said Phillips was often sought out for advice. "When you needed something, I always found it was a good thing to go back in the corner with Olin. If something's going on an you lose perspective, you walk over and he sets you straight." A rarity in some ways, Phillips was a politician who told you exactly what he thought. "He was easy to work with," Merrill said, "primarily because you always knew where he was coming from. I don't think he arrived at decisions lightheartedly or haphazardly. He thought them through and there you were." Phillips never let politics or personal matters get in the way of getting things accomplished, said state Rep. Harry Ott. "He had a calm demeanor about him," Ott said. "I think we need a whole lot more of that in Columbia." Phillips just recently was elected to his 16th consecutive term in office. His replacement will be elected within the next few months. According to Marci Andino, executive director of the State Election Commission, a 10-day filing period for candidates will open on Jan. 16. The primary is scheduled for March 10 and the general election will take place April 28. Phillips' obituary can be found on Page 8. WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT REP. PHILLIPS "I had a great deal of respect for him. He will be missed by a lot of people. He was well-liked and I thought a great deal of him. He was real good with constituent service. He was a lot like (former U.S. Senator) Strom Thurmond in that respect." — Joan Wheeler Former Cherokee County Republican Party chairman "He was very well thought of and always responsive to constituent needs. This is a big loss." — W.B.Cook Friend & Broad River Electric Co-Op official "I can remember from a young age he was extremely interested in politics. He used to go to the courthouse on election night and sit and wait for the vote totals. This is a tremendous loss for the county. For 30 years, he put the county first. He was one of the few politicians who was completely devoted to the state and county." — Mary Michaels Former vice-chairman, Cherokee County Democrat Party "He knew politics backwards and forwards. Even though we didn't vote the same way all the time, there was never a harsh word between us because we always knew we were friends." — DeWitt McCraw Former state representative who served with McCraw for 16 years |
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