Rock Hill, SC – James Philip Land was born in Birmingham, Alabama on May 11, 1947. His parents (now deceased) were Bennie Jo Ryan and Alfred Benjamin Land. There were three things in life he was committed to: (1) God, (2) family and friends, and (3) service.
- God – Phil was active at his church, Oakland Baptist, and beginning in 1975, served at various times as a deacon, Sunday School teacher, choir member, and numerous committees, including the first Constitution and By-Laws written for the church. He also chaired the Missions Committee that planned for NewKirk Church. Bible study was extremely important to him and he enjoyed a lively debate on the passages.
- Family and friends – Phil was devoted to his family, Betty Lou J. Land (wife of 52 years), Sarah Helen Land (Lea Brown), James Philip Land (Beth), and the precious grandchildren, Elizabeth, Sarah Margaret, and James. Phil’s siblings, especially his brother, Ron, and sisters, Margaret and Joy, were devoted to each other. Phil’s friends were scattered through South Carolina and Alabama, but mostly in Rock Hill. Always ready to tell the latest joke, Phil was a gentleman who was dependable. Herman Yawn, a dear friend from church was a gift of “brotherhood”.
- Service – Phil enjoyed community service. In Kiwanis Club, he was elected as president. Serving as chairman of the Come See Me Festival gave him great joy. Other community agencies such as the Salvation Army, York County Baptist Association, American Cancer Society, and the Mental Health Association benefitted from his volunteer efforts. Phil was a Marine and told stories about his experiences, including service to his country in Vietnam. His children say the first two hymns they learned were “Jesus Loves Me” and the “Marine Corps Hymn”. Phil was the first full-time manager of the Town Center Mall and afterward worked at Rock Hill National Bank. He enjoyed working in Columbia as the state Director of Victim’s Assistance and with Wes Hayes as his Research Director. Phil was recognized at his retirement with the South Carolina Silver Crescent Award.
Phil Land, who died April 27th, was a great man who will be sorely missed. The funeral will be at Oakland Baptist Church at 2:00 pm on Thursday, May 4, 2023. The family will receive friends following the service. In lieu of flowers, friends may choose to donate to the Betty Lou Jackson Endowed Scholarship, c/o Winthrop University Foundation, 302 Oakland Ave., Rock Hill, SC 29733; to the Music Ministry at Oakland Baptist Church, 1067 Oakland Ave., Rock Hill, SC 29732; or to The Samaritan Fund at Park Pointe Village, 3025 Chesbrough Blvd., Rock Hill, SC 29732.