Dempsey Franklin Phelps, known by all that loved him as "Frank", peacefully passed away Monday, December 26, 2011.
Frank was born June 16, 1954, to Ella Bland Calhoun Phelps and Calvin Ivan Phelps Sr. He was an active member of Stoney Creek Fire/Rescue for 18 years, before retiring as Chief. Frank was also employed with the City of Rocky Mount for 27 years, serving as Supervisor of Inspections. After retiring from the city in 2000, he remained an active member within the community serving countless hours as a volunteer with various organizations, including Guardian Ad Litem and the American Red Cross. Frank also spent numerous weekends volunteering at Sky-Vue Skateland, where he was lovingly known by the kids as "Daddy Frank". He was a caring, giving man, who was passionate about helping others, and will be missed beyond measure by many.
Frank is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Rebecca (Becky) Whitehurst Phelps, of the home; one daughter, Bobbie Phelps of Rocky Mount; two granddaughters, Allyson Swinson of the home and Ella Parris of Rocky Mount; father-in-law, Gordon K. Whitehurst; four brothers-in-law, Gordon J. Whitehurst and Gloria Boykin, Greg Whitehurst and wife, Sheryl, Robert Whitehurst and wife, Julie and Scott Whitehurst; nieces, Jennifer Williamson and husband Brad, Susan Cobb and husband Jonathan, Christina Whitehurst and Teddy Watson and Katie Whitehurst, Taylor and Sarah Whitehurst; nephews, Christopher Whitehurst and CJ Whitehurst. He also leaves to cherish his memories, eight great-nieces and nephews, as well as his best friend of 43 years, Charles Rose of Oak Island NC. He is preceded in death by both parents, Calvin and Ella; brother, Calvin Ivan Phelps Jr. (Sandy); and grandparents-in-law, Rebecca and CJ Whitehurst. Memorial services were held at Wheeler Woodlief Funeral Home, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC on Thursday, December 29, 2011 at 7:00pm, with Rev. Billy Webb officiating.
MISS ME, BUT LET ME GO
When I come to the end of the road
and the sun has set me free,
I want no rites in a gloom filled room
Why cry for a soul set free?
Miss me a little but not too long,
And not with your head bowed low.
Remember the love that we once shared,
MISS ME, BUT LET ME GO.
For this journey that we all must take
And each must go alone,
It is all part of the Master's plan
A step on the road home.
When you are lonely and sick at heart
Go to the friends we know
And bury your sorrows in doing good
deeds. MISS ME, BUT LET ME GO.
Thank You my Friend
Farewell my friend you're leaving
It's time for you to go
Your friendship was a blessing
And I will miss you so.
We Shared so many secrets
You brightened up my days
You brought me so much happiness
With your kind and loving ways.
You lifted up my spirits
When I was feeling blue
No matter what was happening
You knew just what to do.
We ran between the raindrops
Caught snakes beneath the sun
Ran barefoot in the summertime
And oh, we had such fun.
Through all the ups and downs of life
The good times and the bad
From grade school days to Golden years
The best friend I ever had.
The pig pickins will never be the same
in fact they will be so sad, but
God is here to take you home
Now you and I must part
I love you and forever
You will live within my heart.
Love ya Frank
Charlie Rose
Cause of death - (Cancer) lung, adrenal gland, Brain
Frank was born June 16, 1954, to Ella Bland Calhoun Phelps and Calvin Ivan Phelps Sr. He was an active member of Stoney Creek Fire/Rescue for 18 years, before retiring as Chief. Frank was also employed with the City of Rocky Mount for 27 years, serving as Supervisor of Inspections. After retiring from the city in 2000, he remained an active member within the community serving countless hours as a volunteer with various organizations, including Guardian Ad Litem and the American Red Cross. Frank also spent numerous weekends volunteering at Sky-Vue Skateland, where he was lovingly known by the kids as "Daddy Frank". He was a caring, giving man, who was passionate about helping others, and will be missed beyond measure by many.
Frank is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Rebecca (Becky) Whitehurst Phelps, of the home; one daughter, Bobbie Phelps of Rocky Mount; two granddaughters, Allyson Swinson of the home and Ella Parris of Rocky Mount; father-in-law, Gordon K. Whitehurst; four brothers-in-law, Gordon J. Whitehurst and Gloria Boykin, Greg Whitehurst and wife, Sheryl, Robert Whitehurst and wife, Julie and Scott Whitehurst; nieces, Jennifer Williamson and husband Brad, Susan Cobb and husband Jonathan, Christina Whitehurst and Teddy Watson and Katie Whitehurst, Taylor and Sarah Whitehurst; nephews, Christopher Whitehurst and CJ Whitehurst. He also leaves to cherish his memories, eight great-nieces and nephews, as well as his best friend of 43 years, Charles Rose of Oak Island NC. He is preceded in death by both parents, Calvin and Ella; brother, Calvin Ivan Phelps Jr. (Sandy); and grandparents-in-law, Rebecca and CJ Whitehurst. Memorial services were held at Wheeler Woodlief Funeral Home, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC on Thursday, December 29, 2011 at 7:00pm, with Rev. Billy Webb officiating.
MISS ME, BUT LET ME GO
When I come to the end of the road
and the sun has set me free,
I want no rites in a gloom filled room
Why cry for a soul set free?
Miss me a little but not too long,
And not with your head bowed low.
Remember the love that we once shared,
MISS ME, BUT LET ME GO.
For this journey that we all must take
And each must go alone,
It is all part of the Master's plan
A step on the road home.
When you are lonely and sick at heart
Go to the friends we know
And bury your sorrows in doing good
deeds. MISS ME, BUT LET ME GO.
Thank You my Friend
Farewell my friend you're leaving
It's time for you to go
Your friendship was a blessing
And I will miss you so.
We Shared so many secrets
You brightened up my days
You brought me so much happiness
With your kind and loving ways.
You lifted up my spirits
When I was feeling blue
No matter what was happening
You knew just what to do.
We ran between the raindrops
Caught snakes beneath the sun
Ran barefoot in the summertime
And oh, we had such fun.
Through all the ups and downs of life
The good times and the bad
From grade school days to Golden years
The best friend I ever had.
The pig pickins will never be the same
in fact they will be so sad, but
God is here to take you home
Now you and I must part
I love you and forever
You will live within my heart.
Love ya Frank
Charlie Rose
Cause of death - (Cancer) lung, adrenal gland, Brain
Dempsey Franklin Phelps, known by all that loved him as "Frank", peacefully passed away Monday, December 26, 2011.
Frank was born June 16, 1954, to Ella Bland Calhoun Phelps and Calvin Ivan Phelps Sr. He was an active member of Stoney Creek Fire/Rescue for 18 years, before retiring as Chief. Frank was also employed with the City of Rocky Mount for 27 years, serving as Supervisor of Inspections. After retiring from the city in 2000, he remained an active member within the community serving countless hours as a volunteer with various organizations, including Guardian Ad Litem and the American Red Cross. Frank also spent numerous weekends volunteering at Sky-Vue Skateland, where he was lovingly known by the kids as "Daddy Frank". He was a caring, giving man, who was passionate about helping others, and will be missed beyond measure by many.
Frank is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Rebecca (Becky) Whitehurst Phelps, of the home; one daughter, Bobbie Phelps of Rocky Mount; two granddaughters, Allyson Swinson of the home and Ella Parris of Rocky Mount; father-in-law, Gordon K. Whitehurst; four brothers-in-law, Gordon J. Whitehurst and Gloria Boykin, Greg Whitehurst and wife, Sheryl, Robert Whitehurst and wife, Julie and Scott Whitehurst; nieces, Jennifer Williamson and husband Brad, Susan Cobb and husband Jonathan, Christina Whitehurst and Teddy Watson and Katie Whitehurst, Taylor and Sarah Whitehurst; nephews, Christopher Whitehurst and CJ Whitehurst. He also leaves to cherish his memories, eight great-nieces and nephews, as well as his best friend of 43 years, Charles Rose of Oak Island NC. He is preceded in death by both parents, Calvin and Ella; brother, Calvin Ivan Phelps Jr. (Sandy); and grandparents-in-law, Rebecca and CJ Whitehurst. Memorial services were held at Wheeler Woodlief Funeral Home, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC on Thursday, December 29, 2011 at 7:00pm, with Rev. Billy Webb officiating.
MISS ME, BUT LET ME GO
When I come to the end of the road
and the sun has set me free,
I want no rites in a gloom filled room
Why cry for a soul set free?
Miss me a little but not too long,
And not with your head bowed low.
Remember the love that we once shared,
MISS ME, BUT LET ME GO.
For this journey that we all must take
And each must go alone,
It is all part of the Master's plan
A step on the road home.
When you are lonely and sick at heart
Go to the friends we know
And bury your sorrows in doing good
deeds. MISS ME, BUT LET ME GO.
Thank You my Friend
Farewell my friend you're leaving
It's time for you to go
Your friendship was a blessing
And I will miss you so.
We Shared so many secrets
You brightened up my days
You brought me so much happiness
With your kind and loving ways.
You lifted up my spirits
When I was feeling blue
No matter what was happening
You knew just what to do.
We ran between the raindrops
Caught snakes beneath the sun
Ran barefoot in the summertime
And oh, we had such fun.
Through all the ups and downs of life
The good times and the bad
From grade school days to Golden years
The best friend I ever had.
The pig pickins will never be the same
in fact they will be so sad, but
God is here to take you home
Now you and I must part
I love you and forever
You will live within my heart.
Love ya Frank
Charlie Rose
Cause of death - (Cancer) lung, adrenal gland, Brain
Frank was born June 16, 1954, to Ella Bland Calhoun Phelps and Calvin Ivan Phelps Sr. He was an active member of Stoney Creek Fire/Rescue for 18 years, before retiring as Chief. Frank was also employed with the City of Rocky Mount for 27 years, serving as Supervisor of Inspections. After retiring from the city in 2000, he remained an active member within the community serving countless hours as a volunteer with various organizations, including Guardian Ad Litem and the American Red Cross. Frank also spent numerous weekends volunteering at Sky-Vue Skateland, where he was lovingly known by the kids as "Daddy Frank". He was a caring, giving man, who was passionate about helping others, and will be missed beyond measure by many.
Frank is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Rebecca (Becky) Whitehurst Phelps, of the home; one daughter, Bobbie Phelps of Rocky Mount; two granddaughters, Allyson Swinson of the home and Ella Parris of Rocky Mount; father-in-law, Gordon K. Whitehurst; four brothers-in-law, Gordon J. Whitehurst and Gloria Boykin, Greg Whitehurst and wife, Sheryl, Robert Whitehurst and wife, Julie and Scott Whitehurst; nieces, Jennifer Williamson and husband Brad, Susan Cobb and husband Jonathan, Christina Whitehurst and Teddy Watson and Katie Whitehurst, Taylor and Sarah Whitehurst; nephews, Christopher Whitehurst and CJ Whitehurst. He also leaves to cherish his memories, eight great-nieces and nephews, as well as his best friend of 43 years, Charles Rose of Oak Island NC. He is preceded in death by both parents, Calvin and Ella; brother, Calvin Ivan Phelps Jr. (Sandy); and grandparents-in-law, Rebecca and CJ Whitehurst. Memorial services were held at Wheeler Woodlief Funeral Home, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC on Thursday, December 29, 2011 at 7:00pm, with Rev. Billy Webb officiating.
MISS ME, BUT LET ME GO
When I come to the end of the road
and the sun has set me free,
I want no rites in a gloom filled room
Why cry for a soul set free?
Miss me a little but not too long,
And not with your head bowed low.
Remember the love that we once shared,
MISS ME, BUT LET ME GO.
For this journey that we all must take
And each must go alone,
It is all part of the Master's plan
A step on the road home.
When you are lonely and sick at heart
Go to the friends we know
And bury your sorrows in doing good
deeds. MISS ME, BUT LET ME GO.
Thank You my Friend
Farewell my friend you're leaving
It's time for you to go
Your friendship was a blessing
And I will miss you so.
We Shared so many secrets
You brightened up my days
You brought me so much happiness
With your kind and loving ways.
You lifted up my spirits
When I was feeling blue
No matter what was happening
You knew just what to do.
We ran between the raindrops
Caught snakes beneath the sun
Ran barefoot in the summertime
And oh, we had such fun.
Through all the ups and downs of life
The good times and the bad
From grade school days to Golden years
The best friend I ever had.
The pig pickins will never be the same
in fact they will be so sad, but
God is here to take you home
Now you and I must part
I love you and forever
You will live within my heart.
Love ya Frank
Charlie Rose
Cause of death - (Cancer) lung, adrenal gland, Brain
