Jerry Wayne Phelps (76)

Jerry, son to Dalton and Patricia Phelps of Kankakee, Illinois, and beloved father to Stephen Phelps of Richlands, NC, Stacy Nowman of Leland, NC, and Ashley Phelps of Richlands, NC, won his freedom and earned his wings after a long battle with heart issues.

He was known by many names throughout his lifetime; Jerry by most, Joe to a few, Friend by those who knew him well, Father to his children, and Poppy to his grandchildren.

Jerry was never one to stop at learning one single trade during his time and dabbled in automotive repair, bodywork, motorcycle repair, roofing, construction, concrete work, painting, electrical, and plumbing. He enjoyed building things from simple birdhouses and complex home additions to relaxing on a long motorcycle ride and spending a day on the water on a boat fishing. Later in life, his true joy was just spending time with family and friends. Listening to their stories and telling some tall ones of his own. The love, support, guidance, discipline, and life lessons he provided will never be forgotten and will be missed.

Jerry served his country faithfully by enlisting in the United States Army from 1968 to 1971. While serving multiple back-to-back tours in Vietnam, he was wounded and later received the Purple Heart Medal and Army Commendation Medal among other campaign medals.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Dalton & Patricia Phelps, his brother, Kenneth, his wife, Cheryl, and his step-son, Tyler. He is survived by his sisters, Brenda and Kathy, his children / step-children, and their spouses, Stephen and Hitomi, Stacy and Mike, and Dana and Wes, Ashley, and his grandchildren and great grandchildren, who will never forget the memories he brought to their lives.

Private services will be held at a later date.