Charles  Phillip Covington III

The Life and Legacy of Charles Phillip Covington
November 15, 1918 to April 30, 2014

Charles Phillip Covington, III, 95, of Detroit, Michigan, ended his earthly journey, and went to be with the Lord on April 30, 2014. He was born November 15, 1918 to Charles Phillip Covington, II and Frances Cecelia Covington in Detroit, Michigan. He was one of two children, and the older brother of William Bailey Covington. He grew up in Detroit and attended Southeastern High School, graduating in 1936.
After high school, Charles joined the United States Army and served in Italy. He was a veteran of World War II. He married Ethel Louise Simpson in 1944, and they were married for 30 years before she went to be with the Lord in August 1974.

Charles found his faith in God, and was baptized. He was faithful student of the scriptures. He admired The Apostle Paul, who was his favorite author of the bible. He found spiritual guidance and wisdom in reading his letters. In his last days, he also found great comfort in his bible readings even though he experienced many infirmities that come with longevity. Charles now realizes the “blessed hope” because of his faith in Christ, the grace of God, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

Charles worked for the United States Postal Service, retiring after 25 years. He was also very skilled with his hands. He could build anything from his own barbeque pit to mastering the meticulous art and skill of upholstery. In later life, he worked as a part-time bookkeeper with the YMCA and as a marshal at Detroit's Rackham Golf Course. He enjoyed the game of golf well into his eighties.
Charles was an avid music fan; he loved to listen to his favorite jazz greats such as Duke Ellington, Count Basie and Frank Sinatra. He was very creative and had a wonderful eye for art. He did matting and framing as a hobby, but also matted and framed many art pieces for the Detroit area YMCA Headquarters and the PVS Chemical Corporation. Anyone who received a card or note from him would immediately notice his beautiful calligraphy.

Charles is the nephew of Fannie M. Richards, Detroit's first Black school teacher. Charles leaves behind to cherish his memory his younger brother, William Bailey (Uncle Billy), his four children, Charles Philip IV, Richard Patton, Jonathan Edward, and Cecelia Ruth Marie; three grandchildren, Courteney Marie, Shannon Noelle and Kendal Louise and a host of nieces, nephews and family friends.