John Phillip Pringle III's Obituary
J. Phillip Pringle, III began his earthly journey on April 12, 1943, in Sumter, South Carolina, bearing the cherished namesake of his paternal grandfather, John Phillip Pringle, Sr. He was the fourth of five beloved children born to Wilson R. Pringle, Sr., and Selena Gadsden Pringle, and held a special distinction as the youngest son of the youngest son. Raised in a family deeply rooted in education, both of his parents were esteemed professional educators, imparting to him a love for learning and a passion for knowledge.
At the tender age of 13, Phil found solace and purpose in his faith, embracing Christ's teachings at St. Luke, A.M.E. Church in Sumter, where he remained a faithful and devoted lifelong member. Throughout his educational journey, Phil pursued knowledge with unwavering dedication, attending Sumter County Public Schools and graduating with distinction from Lincoln High School with the Class of 1960. His thirst for knowledge led him to pursue further academic endeavors at esteemed institutions such as South Carolina State University, West Virginia State University, New York University, Beulah Heights University, and Light University, embodying the essence of a lifelong learner.
Phil's life took a profound turn when duty called, and he answered the nation's call to service. Drafted into the U.S. Army on September 11, 1964, Phil served with valor and distinction, achieving the rank of Sergeant within a mere 16 months. His service took him across continents, where he served as a Non-Commissioned Officer of the Military Police Corps, stationed in Paris, France, and the State of New York.
Upon returning to his homeland, Phil embarked on a journey of love and partnership, joining in matrimony with the former Deloris Postell of Sumter, South Carolina, on December 20, 1969. Their union was blessed with two cherished sons, John Phillip, IV, and Jason Postell Pringle. Their marriage ended in divorce in Nov 1984.
Phil's professional endeavors were marked by excellence and dedication. He served with honor as the Special Agent in Charge (SAC) of the U.S. Army CID Office in St. Louis, Missouri, overseeing criminal investigations across 78 counties of eastern Missouri and Southern Illinois. His commitment to service extended to the U.S. Army Reserves, where he held the esteemed grade of Chief Warrant Officer until his retirement in October 1988. Post-military service, Phil continued his pursuit of excellence, becoming a Certified Professional Investigator (CPI) and earning accolades from the Attorney General for his exemplary investigative performance and leadership.
In the midst of life's trials and triumphs, Phil found love anew when he met the former Gerri Benton of Decatur, Georgia. Their union on March 18, 1988, marked the beginning of a partnership rooted in faith, love, and shared purpose. Gerri's academic achievements and dedication to education mirrored Phil's commitment to service, as she pursued degrees in Mathematics and Education Administration. Together, they embarked on a journey of faith and service, answering God's call to ministry with unwavering devotion.
Phil's calling to ministry was a defining chapter in his life, shaped by faith, prayer, and unwavering dedication. From his Scriptural instructions based on "Micah 6:8," Phil heeded the divine call to serve, ministering in various capacities across denominations, sharing his wisdom, compassion, and love with congregations far and wide. His tenure as Superintendent of Green Forest Community Baptist Church's Triple-Track Bible Discovery Hour witnessed exponential growth, with weekly attendance soaring from 400 to over 1200 students per Sunday.
A staunch advocate of holistic education, Phil and Gerri dedicated themselves to empowering the next generation, conducting educational workshops for college-bound high school students and nurturing a love for learning. Their commitment to service extended beyond the confines of the church, with Phil founding Astral Ministries in 2008, a beacon of hope and healing for "At Risk" couples and individuals in crisis. He and Gerri became certified Christian Counselors and down through the years rendered pre-marital, marriage and post marital counseling to those seeking to have a Covenant Marriage God's way.
Phil's legacy of service extended into the community, where he served on numerous boards and committees, championing causes close to his heart. From advocating for fair housing to empowering battered women, Phil's compassion knew no bounds, leaving an indelible mark on the lives he touched. At home in Conyers, Georgia, Phil found solace in the warmth and love of his family, relishing cherished moments with Gerri, their children, and grandchildren, each a testament to his enduring love and legacy.
Phil's journey was one of faith, love, and service-a life lived in pursuit of God's will and guided by the principles of love, compassion, and grace. He was a father, confidant, and friend to many, leaving behind a legacy of love and a lasting impact on all who knew him.
He is survived by devoted wife of 35 years Gerri, 3 sons: John Phillip IV ( wife :Akie, sons: Soul, Taro), Jason Postell Pringle ( Wife: Alexis, son: Otis, daughter: Etta Lu ) Henry Hamler II(son: Gerald Jacobe, grandson: Kyson); his sister: Mrs. Loretta Pringle Veal; sisters-in law: Mrs. Robbie White, Mrs. Ivery Pringle; Very Special BBFs) Patrick McBain and C. Charles Grier; his Jamacian 1 daughters: Petagaye Philpot, Nicola Coward, Nicole Hall and Sarah Swint; daughters in love: Renee Gray and Mariah Dumas; Couples who became spiritual brothers and sisters: Bryan and Andrea Jett, Maurice and Cynthia Hurst, Rev. Leon and Sarah Maundy, Rufus and Hariette Linder and a host of nephews, nieces, and cousins, loving friends too numerous to name.
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