Phil Edwards: Success On and Off the Court

Phil Edwards was a successful businessman, philanthropist, and near lifelong Sumter resident. In addition to his achievements as Vice President of the Williams Furniture Corporation, he served as the executor of the Martha Williams-Brice Estate. Its because of Mr. Edwards that many prominent buildings around South Carolina bear the Williams-Brice name. Among these are the University of South Carolina Williams-Brice football stadium, and the Williams-Brice Recreation Center at Coastal Carolina University.

But perhaps the achievements that Mr. Edwards was most proud of, were those on the tennis court. An avid and lifelong tennis player, Mr. Edwards played competitively into his senior years. He was at one point the top ranked male tennis player in South Carolina, and often competed in mixed doubles matches with his wife Flora. The Edwards became mixed doubles champions at tournaments around South Carolina, and Mr. Edwards continued to win singles matches well into his 70s.

Mr. Edwards can be seen in the first photo on the left, serving the ball in the second photo, and his wife Flora can be seen in the third photo below on the left as well. These and other photos and stories of Mr. Edwards are available to be seen at the Sumter County Museum.