Philip Douglas Withrow

Philip Douglas Withrow of Laurel, MS, entered his heavenly home on Aug. 5, 2026, at the age of 82. He was born on April 11, 1944, in Akron, Ohio, to Elmer Withrow and Margaret Corris Withrow. He was the first of three children born to Elmer and Margaret. He spent his formative years in his hometown of Akron and it was there he graduated high school. He graduated from Northern Illinois University with a BS degree in Accountancy. He worked at BF Goodrich, U.S. Can Company, Owens Corning, and Solar Group. He also worked for a short time as an Auditor. His jobs led him to many states and several trips to Japan. Phil ended his career with Solar Group in Taylorsville, MS. It was in Mississippi where he chose to live and retire, also meeting his wife, Martha. Phil retired from Solar Group in 2017, and held several small jobs after that time, the last of which was at University of Southern Mississippi. Phil loved his vegetable garden and working in the yard and flower beds. He loved walking Maggie and Molly, their two dachshunds, in the neighborhood. He and his wife loved to travel also, but his true delight was just sitting on the back patio and watching the cows or the deer in the adjoining pasture. After retirement he was a member of the Rotary Club and volunteered with the Red Cross Chapter in Laurel. He served also on the Board of United Way. He had been a member of United Way in every state in which he lived. He loved the community his home was in, and was always working on projects that helped the homeowners, whether it was replacing a fence board, picking up trash, cleaning signs, or tightening screws in the Clubhouse chairs. He was the HOA Treasurer for several years and was nicknamed “The Mayor” by the residents. Phil was a faithful member of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Laurel, where he regularly attended Sunday School and Church. It was in this church where he met and married Martha. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Dorothy; his mother Margaret Withrow; his father Elmer Withrow; his sister Joan Withrow; aunts Audrey Ludwick and Charlotte Myers; sisters-in-law Beverly Mills and Alice Mills; and brother-in-law, George Mills. He is survived by his loving wife, Martha Withrow; his two children, Bryan Withrow (Shannon) and Daneale Santana (Jesse); three grandchildren, Nathan Santana, Josh Santana and Nick Withrow; his stepson, Chad Edwards; a sister, Carol Delgado (Rudy); sister-in-law, Sharon Vodden; and nephews, a niece and many friends. The family extends many thanks to a special friend, Beth Reynolds, who was a wonderful caregiver, and to Lynnwood Senior Care for their compassionate care during his final days. Any donations can be made to Westminster Presbyterian Church, United Way or The Animal Rescue League in his memory. To view or sign the online guest book, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com

Philip Douglas Withrow

April 11, 1944 - August 5, 2026