Clyde Albert Phifer, age 75, left his earthly body on October 30, 2019.  He was born December 29, 1943 in Mecklenburg County to the late Ulysses Phifer, Sr. and Cleoria Miller Phifer.  Clyde attended and graduated from Plato Price High School in 1961.  From there he attended Mecklenburg College and received the highest certification level for welding at Central Piedmont Community College.

Clyde was an outstanding father, husband, family man and child of God.  In his passing he has been described by others as a "really, really good man who was always there when you needed him".  He was there for his family, his church and his friends; giving whatever was needed and never wanting anything in return.  Clyde was truly a blessing to all he encountered.

On May 19, 1963, Clyde was united in marriage to his lifelong sweetheart, Helen Margie Grier of Charlotte, NC.   From this union, he became father to two daughters, Bridget Kevitt and Roslyn Shara and the proud grandfather of grandson, Noah Elijah Phifer Clay, affectionately known as 'Nope-Nope'.  A strong proponent of education, Clyde was a voracious reader and enjoyed the writings of such authors as Alexander Dumante, Victor Hugo, Joh Steinback and Ta-Nehisi Coates. Any number of the great classics, you could rest assure he had read. A successful industrial pipe welder for over 50 years, Clyde was employed with Carrier Corporation until his retirement in 2017.

Clyde was a devoted member of Steele Creek AME Zion Church, where he faithfully served in many capacities – as Trustee board member, serving as Chairman for 30 years, as a member of the gospel choir, church historian for new members' class and as a Sunday School teacher.  Under his leadership, Steele Creek committed its gifts and resources to completing the new sanctuary to solidly ensure an engaged church family for years to come. A truly gifted vocalist, Clyde's singing ability could  easily float from a rich baritone to a spectacular 2 ^nd soprano octave, guarantying a blessing to all who heard him sing. With a deep appreciation for all music styles, gospel was his favorite and he sang in the young adult gospel choir, the hymn choir and the Steele Creek Men's choir. An avid sport fan as well, Clyde helped organize community softball teams for men, women and youth and was the founder of the Steele Creek Stompers softball teams. Moving the church from friendly pick-up games to league competition, Steele Creek enjoyed great team sports for many years!

A man of great wisdom and understanding, Clyde is known for inspiring generations with his sage words of insight.  Some of his most well-known quotes include "stand for something or fall for anything"; "actions speak louder than words"; "have faith the size of a mustard seed- that's all the faith you'll ever need"; and "don't let 'em trick you".  A true man of God, Clyde was a respected mentor to his nieces, nephews, colleagues and many more acquaintances.  Clyde's wisdom was fueled from words emanating from the Bible, as well from his tenure as a Shriner with Rameses Temple #51 and his membership (inactive) with Unique Lodge No. 85 and Charlotte Consistory #35.

Clyde is survived by his wife, Helen Margie Phifer; two daughters, Bridget Phifer (Reginald) of Erial New Jersey and Roslyn Phifer of Charlotte, North Carolina; one grandson (Noah) of Erial, New Jersey; one brother Melvin Phifer (Geraldine) of Charlotte, North Carolina; Aunt Betty McCarroll of Charlotte, North Carolina; six sisters-in-law; one brother-in-law and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.