Photo courtesy of R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home - Hampton
1932 - 2018
Arvis,
I regret that I did not hear of Roger's passing until now. My heart goes out to you in your time of sorrow. I know he will be missed greatly.
Shari Hicks (Jud & Georgia's daughter)
October 30, 2018
My sincere condolences are extended to the entire family. I am so very sorry for your loss. There are no words that can help your heart today, but know we are thinking of you.
Love, Cathy Pedigo and family
Cathy Pedigo
October 18, 2018 | Hampton, VA
ARVIS AND FAMILY,
Our prayers are with you at this very difficult time. We were sorry to hear of his passing. He is in such a BEAUTIFUL PERFECT place that is HEAVEN with his LORD and SAVIOR. He will forever be in your hearts. He is making a place for all of you to reside when your time on earth is done. Rejoice in knowing where he is and who he is surrounded by. Joel and I Lauren and Leah Love ALL of ya'll very much.
October 18, 2018
When I first started work at NASA in 1984, Roger was so helpful to me. He was a true example of technical excellence and kindness to others at the same time. My condolences to all the family during this difficult time.
Susan Gorton
October 18, 2018 | Hampton, VA
Remembering those Sunday nights we all went to Waffle House after church. So sorry to hear this news. I'm praying for all of you.
Linda Uplinger
October 17, 2018 | La Salle, CO
Arvis and family, was so sorry to hear of Roger's passing. He was such a kind and generous man who lived his life devoted to his wife, Arvis, his family, friends and his faith. We were so blessed to be able to call him our friend. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Sandra Rakes-Midkiff
October 17, 2018 | Hampton, VA | Friend
I'm so sorry for your loss! I have so many fond memories of Rodger! He loved mowing our lawn on Lotus St and even before we moved he mowed our lawn on Meredith St! He was so kind to my brother and I and would often let us sit with him as he mowed! My mom said when we were babies he would bring Jen around to show her off and let her play with us! I will forever cherish these memories of such a kind man! Love to the entire Phelps family!
Lauren Daniels Johnson
October 17, 2018 | Hampton, VA
To Mrs. Arvis, Debbie & Michael..
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. There are no words that can explain the pain from your loss. My family sends our condolences.
Shirley Taylor
( I was Debbie's co-worker from Newport News Shipbuiding Employees Credit Union years ago)
October 17, 2018
Arvis, Bill and Debbie,
I am so very sorry for your loss. Roger meant so very much to me. He was a man of Godly character, a true witness of Christian faith. The way he supported the church and the ministries were wonderful. A true christian inspiration. I admired the way he loved his wife and children and all he came in contact with. I have the sweetest of memories of him and I will cherish them always. May God comfort your heart and soul and you are with him again.
My love and...
Jackie True
October 17, 2018 | Smithfield, VA
William “Roger” Phelps, Sr. passed away October 15, 2018 at Riverside Regional Medical Center after complications from an injury. He was born on July 12, 1932 in Newport News and was a lifelong resident of Hampton.
Roger joined the United States Air Force after high school and then went to work at NASA Langley. Most of Roger’s career at NASA was in the Force Measurement Division working as an engineering technician. He retired from NASA in 1988 after many accomplishments there having served over 30 years. After his retirement he began Phelps Services Inc where he was the president and worked in the business until the time of his death. It was a job he truly enjoyed and looked forward to serving his customers/friends each day.
Roger was also involved in many other activities during his life. He raced hydroplane boats as a boy growing up, winning many trophies. He was a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary and became its commander and also taught many seamanship classes. He was a member and past Master of St. Tammany Masonic Lodge. He was a member of Pine Chapel Baptist Church where he was Deacon Emeritus and also Sunday School Director among being on other committees. In all the things he did or was a part of he was completely dedicated and worked to create the best outcome.
For many years, Roger and his devoted wife Arvis were able to travel in their motorhome and spend January and February in Florida. It was a time he enjoyed and was blessed to have made many friends.
Roger loved The Lord Jesus Christ and his church. He loved his wife Arvis and his family to no end, and he cherished his many friendships. He was always willing to help in any way he could. If you called Roger your friend, you couldn’t ask for a more loyal friend.
Roger leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 65 years, Arvis; his son, Bill and his wife Elaine; his daughter Debbie Sawyer and her husband Michael; his grandchildren, Emily Collier and husband Daniel, Mike Sawyer and friend Miranda, Jennifer Shirley, Michelle Sheets, Melissa Sawyer, and Mary Phelps. He is also survived by five great-grandchildren, Aiden and Madison Shirley, Kyle and Sarah Collier, James Sawyer, and Hunter Thomas. Roger was preceded in death by his parents, Percy and Louise Phelps.
The family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at Riverside Medical Center for their exceptional and compassionate care. The family would also like to thank the many friends that supported Roger during a difficult time. We were blessed to have all of you in our lives.
A funeral service will be conducted at 1:30 pm Friday, October 19, 2018 at Pine Chapel Baptist Church with interment to follow in Parklawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Thursday from 6-8 pm at R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home.Read More
