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Gary Phelps Obituary

Gary Lee Phelps, Jr. Charleston - Gary Lee Phelps, Jr., 57, of Charleston, South Carolina, husband of Vicky Martin Phelps and father of three sons entered into eternal rest Thursday, November 2, 2017. His Funeral Service will be held Monday, November 6, 2017 in Ashley River Baptist Church, 1101 Savannah Hwy. at 11:00 am. Interment will follow in Live Oak Memorial Gardens . The family will receive friends Monday in Ashley River Baptist Church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Arrangements by J. HENRY STUHR INC., WEST ASHLEY CHAPEL. Gary was born April 8, 1960 in Granite City, Illinois, son of Barbara Sparks Phelps and the late Gary Lee Phelps, Sr. He was the Senior Vice President of Global Air Freight at BDP International - a first-class company founded by the four Bolte brothers. Gary was a lifelong pioneer, a scholarshipped Division I athlete, and an esteemed coach in many of life's greatest disciplines. He was a devout Christian, who spread the Good Lord's word in over 30 countries and 4 different continents. He was a creator, influencer and entrepreneur in the game of Life. He is survived by his wife, Vicky Phelps of Charleston, SC; three sons, Riley Gary Phelps (Shannon) of Charleston, SC, Gray Barnes Phelps of Mount Pleasant, SC, Jesy Martin Phelps of Mount Pleasant, SC; mother & father-in-law, Dr. & Mrs. James R. Martin of Fayetteville, GA; two brothers, Timothy Alan Phelps (Janice) of Columbus, OH, Stephen Edward Phelps of St. Louis, MO; sister-in-law, Robin M. Ritchie of Senoia, GA. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Compassion International, 12290 Voyager Parkway, Colorado Springs, CO 80921. A memorial message may be sent to the family by visiting our website at www.jhenrystuhr.com. Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Charleston Post & Courier from Nov. 4 to Nov. 5, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Gary Phelps

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Dennis Niesmertelny

January 11, 2018

I had the pleasure of working with Gary back in the Nippon Express USA days and again while at Ceva. He was truly a visionary in the Logistics business and ahead of his time. We both traveled the world enjoying our careers. I will miss you and your power of positive thinking.

Fred Schuler

November 20, 2017

I knew Gary since we were seven or eight years old playing soccer against each other as boys. We later became team mates in high school on a team that was one of a kind in terms of success. We went separate ways after high school but I can honestly say had we run into each other in an airport or random gathering nobody would have been happier. I just learned this sad news and what came to my mind were great times. I pray for his eternal rest and comfort for his family.

Robin Martin Ritchie

November 14, 2017

I was lucky to have the greatest brother in law. He lived every day with grace, goodness, kindness, dignity and beauty. And better than Tim McGraws song live like you were dying for 35 months. I loved him on this earth for 38 years. He was the most amazing man I have ever known. He is with the angels now!

Christine Morgan

November 12, 2017

I will never forget our time working together. Spreading the word of God with every contact. From the cards you would share to the before meal prayers. I am certain that there were many jewels awaiting you at the throne. Rest In Peace my friend. Rest In Peace.

Jason Bergman

November 10, 2017

I am so saddened to hear of Gary's passing. I had the honor and privilege to work with him at BDP, and we shared many professional relationships. His genuine kindness and eagerness to help in any situation was known and shared by all of his colleagues, and could be matched by none. We will miss you Gary, forever. Rest In Peace good friend.....

James and Vera Martin

November 10, 2017

My first encounter with Gary was around 1979-1980 when Vicky brought this long-haired hippy looking fellow home with her. I thought, Oh no, who is this kid?' Not exactly a favorable impression. But Gary was not one to back away from a disgruntled parent or perhaps anything else he set his mind to. He kept showing up at our door and slowly worked his way into our family and my good graces. Gary married Vicky in 1982 and away they went to Arizona where Gary was originally going to work on a Law degree. I was somewhat skeptical, but now after knowing Gary for nearly 40 years I am certain he would have been an extremely effective lawyer. We frequently debated political and religious issues and Gary never gave an inch. Gary could debate sensitive issues without getting angry or personal. In fact, I don't remember a time when Gary got mad at anything, although I am told he did get mad a few times, once when Gray almost blew-up the house with fire-crackers. Gary was nearly always calm, calculated and organized. This is a rare talent. And, as Gary's boys pointed out, Gary had many talents. After Riley, Jesy and Gray came along I was amazed with Gary's relentless efforts to build his boys into outstanding athletes and men with exceptional abilities and character. It is clear that he was successful in those efforts with a considerable amount of help from Vicky. Gary was a role model in many ways. He put his family and others first, and seemed to be more worried about others than himself, even at the end of his life. Gary's motto was Drive, protect, and serve and he did it well. Vera and I are very proud to say that Gary Lee Phelps Jr. was our friend and our son-in-law.

Gary and Vicky

Dave Andersen

November 9, 2017

Gary is my greatest friend. He represents what I would like my kids and grand kids to be like. I father, friend, mentor, leader to note a few. Gary was always there and always called back to talk no matter where he was and I know some day I will see him again. Being the Christian man he was we discussed many ideas and life experiences. He was a friend like non other.
I love e you Gary.

Lauren Simmonds

November 8, 2017

We were so sorry to learn of Gary's passing. When we think back to your years in Peachtree City,we remember Gary as a kind,hard working man who loved his family. We can still picture him on the soccer fields with the boys. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. May you find peace and comfort knowing he rests with our Lord and Savior.

Keith Histon

November 7, 2017

I can say convincingly that I was delighted to know and work with Gary during his time at EGL/CEVA. Gary was a most caring individual, always giving up his own time to help others. He taught me this valuable lesson and I will be forever grateful. You will be missed mate. God bless you and your family during this time of sorrow.

Jack

November 6, 2017

RIP Gary - You will be missed by many!! I always appreciated your unwavering support, hard work, knowledge and sincerity with all things. My heartfelt condolences to the entire Phelps family in this difficult time.

Christel Alaimo

November 6, 2017

I would like to express my condolences to the family. I had the privilege of working with Gary over the past 9 years. Gary was a true business partner in the logistics industry. He will be missed by many in our industry for his honesty and his compassion. Rest in peace.

Al Lockhart

November 5, 2017

So many pleasant memories of our time together on the soccer field. Our deepest sympathy to Gary's entire family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. The Lockhart family

Kevin Romer

November 4, 2017

I am expressing my condolences. I work for United Airlines. I was humbled to be able to work with Gary. He was an authentic man. His love and passion for his family and career was second to none. He was always very approachable. Everyone is in my prayers and thoughts. God Bless You

Tori Burquin

November 4, 2017

So sorry for your loss and what a great man Gary was.

Billy Reid

November 4, 2017

Gary, I will miss you my friend. You are a special person in my life and the life of my family. We met in Phoenix, played soccer together, worked together, hunted together and had fun together. A period of over 30 years has transpired and during that time we bonded a lifelong friendship. I thank you for forgiving me for my actions a few years ago which tarnished our friendship. Your friends and family will miss you dearly. Riley, Jesy and Gray will take care of Vicky for you, so rest in peace my friend. Love you more than i can put into words. I will miss you.

Rodney Cole

November 3, 2017

The first time I met Gary was in 2011. Instantly I new I would like him. He was just a vast wealth of information and always wanted to keep moving forward and always showed genuine concern. Gave me a little advice about real roses. He was a good person at heart, I know this and a good MAN.

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Memorial Events
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Nov

6

Visitation

10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Ashley River Baptist Church

1101 Savannah Hwy., Charleston, SC 29407

Nov

6

Service

11:00 a.m.

Ashley River Baptist Church

1101 Savannah Hwy., Charleston, SC 29407

Funeral services provided by:

J. Henry Stuhr West Ashley Chapel

3360 Glenn McConnell Parkway, Charleston, SC 29414

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