William "Bill" Phelps

William Henry “Bill” Phelps, age 92, of Somerset, KY, passed away on December 3, 2025, at Hospice of Lake Cumberland Jean Waddle Care Center.

He was born on July 6, 1933, in Somerset, KY, to the late Lester Phelps and Edna Fulcher Phelps.

Bill proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. He was a lifelong and dedicated member of White Lily Baptist Church, where he served faithfully as a deacon, song leader, and member of the Finance Committee. His faith was the foundation of his life, and he cherished his church family deeply.

Bill was a hardworking, deeply devoted family man whose presence brought warmth, humor, and a sense of ease to every gathering. Those who knew him remember his gentle smile, his quick wit, and the way he could make anyone feel welcome. He loved building houses and took great pride in creating spaces where families could grow and make memories. He cherished simple pleasures—sharing meals of pinto beans, enjoying a good cup of coffee, visiting with neighbors, and staying busy with projects big and small.

He was also known for his talent for "wheeling and dealing," a skill that became a beloved family joke—especially the time he managed to negotiate his wife’s funeral bill. His family often recalls that story with laughter, grateful for the humor and lightheartedness he brought into their lives.

He is survived by one daughter, Gladys (Johnny) Warren of Montevallo, AL; two sons, Doug (Lisa) Phelps of Bronston, KY, and Gary (Carolyn) Phelps of Somerset, KY; his grandchildren: Shenoah Miller, Christopher (Jenna) Miller, Kristen Amell, Tabatha (Nick) Flynn, Raven (Emily) Hislope, Spencer (Aisling) Phelps, Garrett Phelps, and Jackson Phelps; and his great-grandchildren: Charli (Stephen) Burrell, Connor Flynn, Jasmine Stout-Flynn, Jaylee Phelps, Jacob Amell, Madison Amell, Mason Amell, Levi Amell, Corbin Miller, Kylen Newman, and Beatrice Cornett-Phelps; three sisters-in-law, Judy Miller Grant, Lois Phelps and Thelma Phelps; many nieces and nephews, other family members, friends and neighbors who are saddened by his passing.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife, Mary Catherine Meece Phelps, whom he married on May 6, 1957, in Jellico, TN; she preceded him on September 24, 2014. He was also preceded in death by one granddaughter, Jessica Newman; three brothers, Cecil Phelps, Caroll Phelps, and Roy Lee Phelps; and one sister, Geneva Phelps Huber.

Visitation will be held on Monday, December 8, 2025, from 11:00am until 1:00pm at Lake Cumberland Funeral Home.

His funeral service will follow on Monday, December 8, 2025, at 1:00pm at the Chapel of Lake Cumberland Funeral Home with his son, Pastor Gary Phelps officiating. Burial will follow at White Lily Cemetery.  Military honors will be conducted by the American Legion Post #38 Honor Guard.

The family requests expressions of sympathy be made to Hospice of Lake Cumberland or the Gideon Bible Memorial Fund in memory of William Phelps.   

You are welcome to view the obituary and send condolences to the family at our website: www.LakeCumberlandFuneralService.com.

Lake Cumberland Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements for William Phelps.