Obituary

For each life, there is a purpose, and it ends when that purpose is complete.  On January 20, 2026, Dr. Charlie Phipps Jr., fulfilled his purpose and peacefully left this life behind.

November 24, 1944 a baby boy was born in Tunica, Mississippi to the late Charlie Phipps Sr. and late Callie M. DeBerry, and they named him Charlie Phipps Jr. Charlie grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma and attended Tulsa Public Schools and he became a proud football player at Booker T. Washington High School, where many said “that Phipps boy sure could play some football”! – and Charlie was never too shy to agree.

He proudly graduated with the mighty BTW Class of 1963 and then went on to attended Langston University, bring his big personality and even bigger dreams along with him. When he joined the United States Air Force, as an Air Policeman, he served with honor and just enough charm to keep his fellow airmen smiling, earning an Honorable Discharge. Determined to keep reaching higher, Charlie later continued his education at Texas Southern University, earning a Doctor of Juridical Science (JSD).

Following college, Dr. Charlie Phipps Jr. practice law with several Companies throughout Tulsa, Oklahoma and received many awards recognizing his achievements. Among his greatest joys was becoming an entrepreneur and leader, including his work with Phipps, Phipps & Associates Attorneys at Law, service as a retired attorney liaison with UNHCR, and role as CEO Tri-Syndicated Trust GP.  In every role, he brought sharp intelligence, a quick wit, and a smile that suggested he always knew the punchline before anyone else.

On August 2nd, 1975, Charlie married his beloved wife Carolyn Tompkins-Phipps. To this union one son was born, Rashad Phipps. They remained married until her untimely death.

Dr. Phipps enjoyed traveling and poetry, especially “The Creation” by James Weldon Johnson, and he loved reciting verses with the same flair he brought to a courtroom. His life reflected faith, perseverance, a generous spirit, and he will be lovingly remembered for his jocular sense of humor, wisdom and unwavering dedication to those he served.

Preceded in Death:

Dr. Charlie Phipps Jr. was preceded in death by his father Charlie Phipps Sr., mother Callie M. DeBerry, wife Carolyn Phipps, son Derrick Walker, sister Sharon DeBerry, and father in-law Earl A. Tompkins, mother in-law Thelma Tompkins and three sister in-laws.

Left to Cherish His Memory

Dr. Charlie Phipps Jr. is survived by his siblings: Theodis Fipps (Eunice) of Ohio, Joe R. Fipps (Pearlie) of Tulsa, OK; Pearlie Carr of Tulsa, OK; Berta Potts (Harvey) of OKC, OK; and Stonell DeBerry of Tulsa, OK. He also leaves his children: daughter Wynetta Littles (Jerry) of Tulsa, OK; sons Charlie Phipps lll (Lindiwe) of Nashville, TN; bonus son Marcus Anderson (Marlise) of Tulsa, OK; and son Rashad Phipps of Tulsa, OK.  Host of grandchildren, greatgrandchildren, nieces, nephews, in-laws, other family members and friends.

There will be no funeral service; family and friends may leave a sympathy message on his memorial page.