W. Linton Phillips, Jr.

Linton Phillips, born in Atlanta, Georgia, on May 23, 1927, passed away after a brief illness on January 24, 2026.

Growing up in Atlanta, he was a proud graduate of Tech High School. He continued his education at the University of Georgia where he was treasurer of Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity.  After graduating from UGA in 1951, he began his lifelong career as a casualty insurance claims adjuster; working for Liberty Mutual, Aetna, and finally the South Carolina Insurance Reserve Fund where he administered medical malpractice claims for the State.

A World War II Navy Veteran, Linton served with the Naval Air Transport Squadron Ten on Guam and the early Japanese Occupation Forces at the Atsugi Air Base.

An active hobbyist and builder all of his life, Linton enjoyed radio control model aviation, outboard hydroplane racing, and antique automobile restoration.  In the 1960’s, he hand-built a cabin on Lake Murray which family and friends enjoyed for many years.  In the 1970's, under the name of Traditional Builders, he also built a number of homes in northeast Columbia.

Linton is survived by daughter, Karen Law and husband Flip; grandchildren, Justin (Lauren), Seth (Hannah) and Jessica Law; great grandsons, Nathan, David and Everett Law; nephews, Rodney and Russell Hardeman; and his companion for many years, Emily Alford.

Linton was pre deceased by his wife of over fifty years, Sonja Jorgensen Phillips; his parents, Ruth and Wilbur Phillips; sister and brother- in- law, Charlotte & Bill Hardeman; nephew, Glenn Hardeman; and son, Brian Phillips, who died unexpectedly on December 14, 2025.

Burial will be at 3 p.m. on Friday, January 30th, at Woodridge Memorial Park with naval military honors. A celebration of Linton’s life well lived will be held at Lexington United Methodist Church on Saturday, February 7th, at 2 p.m.  Visitation will be held in Asbury Hall at the Church from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. prior to the service. 

A member of Lexington United Methodist Church, Linton enjoyed teaching Sunday School there until his early nineties.  In lieu of flowers, please make memorials contributions to the Church at 309 East Main Street, Lexington, SC 29072.

The Phillips and Law families would like to thank the staff and members of Lexington United Methodist Church; the staff and residents of the Village at South Lake; and the “Aetna Retirees” for their love and support.  With your and Emily’s help, Linton was able to live independently, enjoying both quality and quantity of life up until 10 days before his passing.

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