Thursday, March 28, 2024

Gerald Aubrey Phelps, 77, Navy veteran and entrepreneur with a soft heart for others and unique sense of humor

Gerald Aubrey Phelps (Courtesy of H.D. Oliver Funeral Apts)
Gerald Aubrey Phelps (Courtesy of H.D. Oliver Funeral Apts)

Gerald Aubrey Phelps was born on March 9, 1938 to the late Enid and Blanche Phelps in Appomattox, Virginia, and was the beloved husband of Eva (Bobbie) Phelps. He passed away on Nov. 18, 2015.

Gerald enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1955 and proudly served his country until 1974. Following his retirement from the Navy, Gerald worked at Cooper Bearing Company and later as a self-employed entrepreneur. Lovingly referred to by his family and friends as Poppie, he possessed a strong work ethic, a soft heart for others, and a unique brand of humor.

He loved the outdoors and was an avid fisherman and camper. At any given moment, he would prep the RV, pack up the family, and hit the road to some quaint spot by a river, or, when driving for hours on end and needed to stop for the night, a Walmart parking lot.

Besides his wife Eva, he is also survived by his children and their spouses: Vicky and Spencer Jones, Doug Smith, Jerry Phelps, Jr., Cindy and Charlie (deceased) McIntosh, Tracy and Jeff Bowers. His siblings and their spouses: Howard and Betty Phelps, Emily and Ronnie Mitchell, Patricia and Herman Evans, Linda and Danny Rogers, Arnold Phelps, Bonnie and Doug Beters, Connie and Dick Fortin, Elmer (deceased) and Beverly Phelps. He is also survived by his pride and joys- seven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held December 5, 2015 2:00 pm at Baylake United Methodist Church, 4300 Shore Dr., Va Beach, VA 23455. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the Wounded Warriors Project in Gerald’s memory.

Online condolences may be made at hdoliver.com.

To view the full list of Southside Daily obituaries, click here.

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