Philip Francis Foster

Spartanburg, SC - Philip Francis Foster, 85, husband of Sally Davidson Foster, died Wednesday, January 14, 2015 at Spartanburg Regional Hospice Home. Born in Spartanburg May 30, 1929, he was the son of the late Bernard Augustus Foster and Lillie Harris Veazey Foster. Philip was the youngest son of the nine Foster children. He was a member of the class of 1947 at Spartanburg High School and of the class of 1951 at Wofford College where he was a member of Kappa Alpha Fraternity. All his brothers served in the military during World War II and Philip tried to enlist at the age of 16, but was found to be too young. When he could, he joined the South Carolina National Guard where he served as a second lieutenant. In 1958, Philip married Sally Ann Davidson of Greenville. For years he was in business with his brothers in SPAPCO, a paper and plastics company. About 1981, he joined his wife in Sally Foster Gift Wrap and his considerable skills made a dramatic impact on the expanding company. He was known as the Doctor of Paper. Philip retired when the couple sold Sally Foster Gift Wrap. Philip served First Presbyterian as an elder and a deacon and was a member of the Men’s Bible Class. He was a member of Rotary and a founding member of the Spartanburg Sertoma Club. Philip was known for his wonderful sense of humor and his repertoire of well-told jokes suitable for any occasion. In addition to his wife of 56 years, Philip is survived by his daughter, Virginia Hunter Foster Mahon; his son, Eugene Davidson “David” Foster and his wife, Kim; grandchildren, Elizabeth Fane Foster, Philip Forbes Foster, Sally Gray Mahon, Mary Katherine “Molly” Mahon; step grandchildren, William Grady Flowers, Jr., Charles Whitaker Flowers, Sarah Elizabeth Flowers; one sister, Jeanne Foster Clark (Shelby); sisters in-law, Stasia Foster (Ralph), Nancy Foster (Howard), Jo-Anne Foster (Howard), and Nan Foster Duke (Edwin); many beloved nieces and nephews; and faithful companions, Leslie Edwards and Ida Allen. Philip was predeceased by his son, Philip Francis (Flip) Foster, Jr.; brothers and sisters, Bernard Foster (Cecile), Ralph Foster (Ruth), Julian Foster (Nell), Donald Foster (Jodie), Dorothy Foster Law (William), Howard Foster and Edwin Foster. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to a longtime friend, Dr. Julian Williams. A Service of the Resurrection will be held at First Presbyterian Church on Saturday, January 17th at 4:00 pm. Officiating will be The Reverend Joanne Hull. The family will receive friends after the service at the Piedmont Club. Burial will be private. In remembrance of Philip, memorials may be made to the Philip Francis (Flip) Foster, Jr. Scholarship Fund, Wofford College, 429 North Church Street, Spartanburg, SC 29303.