Philip H. Poindexter

Philip Harris Poindexter,74, of Hyattsville, Maryland passed away unexpectedly at his residence on September 5, 2020. He was born in Nathalie, Virginia on February 14, 1946 to Wallace Lankford and Susie Geraldine Poindexter. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sister, Maxine Y. Poindexter; brother, Lankford E. Poindexter and nephew, Stefan A. Poindexter.

Philip was baptized at an early age and joined Sunflower Baptist Church in Nathalie, Virginia where he regularly attended worship services, Sunday school and sang in the youth choir. Philip attended Mary M. Bethune High School in Halifax, Virginia. During high school, he was a student bus driver. He graduated in 1965.  Following graduation, Philip worked on the family’s tobacco farm until drafted, in 1966, by the United States Army.   He was assigned to the 82^nd Division in Fort Bragg, North Carolina for basic training and worked as an Artillery Mechanic during his tour in Viet Nam.  He was awarded the National Defense Medal for serving during the Viet Nam War, the Combat Artillery Badge and Certificate for Outstanding Military Service and Loyalty to the U. S. Army.   Philip was honorably discharged on April 5, 1972, after proudly serving our country for 6 years.

 Following his military service, Philip briefly settled in Richmond, Virginia, where he worked as a mechanic for Lovings Garage and later for Greater Richmond Transit Company (GRTC).  Shortly thereafter, he moved to Washington, DC. and landed a mechanic’s job with Greyhound Bus Lines. On February 19, 1973, he started an entry level position with Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro), later advancing to the classification of AA mechanic.  He held this position for 23 years.  During his employment with Metro, he received   numerous awards for Outstanding Safe Performance, the “Peer to Peer” Award for Employee of the Month, April 2003, and a plaque in Recognition of 31 Years of Dedicated Service to WMATA. He retired on September 1, 2004.

 Philip had many talents and passions. Foremost among them was his enthusiasm for automobiles which revealed itself through his delight in purchasing new and recently possessed vehicles, garnering him quite the collection, and lending him to countless hours tinkering under the hoods or customizing each car to add a  personal touch.  In line with his passion for automobiles, Philip was an avid NASCAR and drag racing fan and enjoyed attending air and car shows.  He was a charter member of the NASCAR Club. Philip also held memberships in the Air and Space at the Smithsonian, Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) # 689, and he was a 2017 Founding Sponsor of the National Museum of the United States Army at Fort Belvoir, Virginia.

 Philip’s most cherished moments included enjoying desserts, backyard barbecues, where he took on the role of grill master, catalog and online shopping for useful gadgets, binge-watching Western TV and cheering on his Washington Redskins, in the comfort of his recliner. He also enjoyed motorcycles and photography. His memory will live on through his photographs, as he preserved memories for so many others to enjoy.

Despite health challenges, Philip lived life to the fullest and enjoyed, above all else, spending time with his family and friends.   Philip was a gentle, caring and  giving person, a true friend to those he loved. He will be greatly missed.   

Philip, affectionately known as “Phil” to special friends leaves to cherish his memory: sister, Joyce P. Johnson (James T.) of Richmond, VA; brother, Jesse J. Poindexter of Nathalie, VA; nephew, Rodney D. Poindexter of Bowie, MD; nieces, Keira & Kyla Johnson of Richmond, VA; great-nieces, Zoe Poindexter of Washington, D.C. and Akasha Poindexter of Hagerstown, MD; great-nephews, Zachary and Aaron Poindexter of Harpers Ferry, WV, Macari, Kaiden, and Kyrie of Richmond, VA; aunt, Carlyle P. Keller of Cambria Heights, N.Y; former wife, Vivian Taylor Lawrence; former step-daughter, Lisa Taylor Moore, a host of dear cousins and friends; including special longtime friend of 18 years, Carmen Johnson, her children ,Wendy and Eric and granddaughters; Sierra and Leslie; devoted longtime friends, Willie L. Dixon, James Brooks, Willie E. Cooke & devoted friend and neighbor, Alphonso Collins.

A private  memorial service with military honors will be held at 11:15 A.M., Friday, December 4, 2020 at Cheltenham Veterans Cemetery.