Philip Clark Sawyer

Philip Clark Sawyer, 90, of Lakeland, went home to be with his Lord January 19, 2021.

Born in Bainbridge, Georgia, he was the son of the late Fulton Green Sawyer and Myrtle Ruth Clark Sawyer.

Also preceding him in death are his wives, Ruth Margret Silkett Sawyer and Elizabeth “Betty” Gatlyn Yarbrough Sawyer and brothers, Henry and Norman Sawyer.

Philip is survived by his wife and soulmate, Dorothy Costine Sawyer; brother Gordon Sawyer (JoAnn); sister Sue Sawyer Walker; children, Mike Sawyer, Evelyn “Pinky” Taylor, Dennis Yarbrough (Lindy), Yvette Yarbrough Cooper, Paul Sawyer (Cindy), Kyle Sawyer (Kitty), and Brian Sawyer (Laura); 12 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren. He also left behind 4 stepchildren, with their spouses, children and grandchildren.

Philip and his brothers milked the cows before going to school and in the evening at his family’s dairy, Sawyer’s Dairy, on Providence Road, now HWY 98, N. He graduated from the historical Kathleen High School in 1947. He worked for the railroad until 1956, when he joined the US Army. After three years of military service Philip returned to the railroad where he worked until retirement. Philip also loved photography, music and singing with his family and their group, The Parables. He helped to organize, was a Trustee Emeritus, and lifetime member of the Kathleen Area Historical Society. Philip loved his family, his church and his Lord. He was dearly loved and will be missed greatly.

There will be a graveside service, 2pm, Monday, January 25, 2021, New Home Baptist Church, North Galloway Road, Lakeland.

Please bring a chair or be prepared to stand. Masks will be required, and social distancing will be practiced.

Donations may be made to New Home Baptist Church, in lieu of flowers.

Online condolences may be left for the family at lanier.care.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Philip Clark Sawyer, please visit our floral store.