William “Bill” Eli Phelps Jr., 94, passed away Sunday, April 4, 2021. Bill was born July 2, 1926 in Durham County to the late Willie Eli Phelps and Beulah Mae Wilson Phelps. He graduated from Apex High School in 1943 and served his country in the United States Navy during World War II. Bill graduated from Louisburg College and began his working career with the NC Milk Commission as an auditor. He retired from NC Farm Bureau where he served as a Management Specialist working with dairy farmers. Bill was as an avid golfer and a member of Longview Baptist Church.
A service to celebrate his life will be held 2:00 pm, Saturday, April 10, 2021 at L. Harold Poole Funeral Service Chapel, 944 Old Knight Road, Knightdale, NC 27545. For anyone unable to attend, the service will be live streamed and can be viewed by clicking on the live stream link below. Burial with military honors will follow at Raleigh Memorial Park.
The family will receive relatives and friends prior to the service from 12:00 to 1:45 pm at the funeral home. Please wear a face covering and practice social distancing to ensure everyone’s safety.
Bill is survived by his wife of 72 years, Rosalynd Jackson Phelps; children: William Timothy Phelps (Leanne), Cynthia Phelps McPherson, Rebecca Phelps Smith (John Mark), Sharilyn Jane Phelps Phillips (Dennis); grandchildren: Jeremy Phelps, Jennifer Galloway, Shannon Dagher, James Costa Jr., Anna Cook, Natalie Phillips; great-grandchildren: Makenna Galloway, Carter Galloway, Cody Phelps, Liam Costa; and a sister, Joyce Phelps.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a grandson, Nicky Edwards; son-in-law, Ken McPherson; brothers: Leon, Leroy, Pete; sisters: Mae, Hazel, and Sharon.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society for prostate cancer research.
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