Warren Phelps Obituary
Published by Legacy on Sep. 19, 2025.
After a brief but courageous battle with leukemia, Warren "Terry" Arthur Phelps, left this world peacefully, surrounded by the unwavering love of his family on August 5, 2025. Terry's legacy is one of warmth, profound wisdom, and an unquenchable zest for life that touched and inspired everyone fortunate enough to know him.
Born on December 27, 1947, in Tampa, Florida, to Warren Harding Phelps and Jean Audrey (Braun) Phelps, Terry was a man whose passions knew no bounds and whose heart was as generous as it was kind. His meeting Gail at a friend's house over 64 years ago marked the beginning of a beautiful journey that blossomed into 54 years of love, partnership, and shared dreams.
Terry attended Seminole Community College but ultimately chose a career as an electrician. This path brought not only financial security but a deep sense of fulfillment. He became a Master Electrician, working tirelessly on a wide range of residential and commercial projects, with a specialization in electro-mechanical systems. His skill and dedication earned him respect in his field. But beyond his professional success, it was his passions and love for life that truly defined him.
His heart ignited by shooting competitions and scenario-based shooting, Terry became a world-renowned gunsmith, pouring his talent and precision into every piece. As the founder of Phelps Bullets, Inc., he exemplified an entrepreneurial spirit fueled by a deep dedication to the shooting sports he loved.
From a young age, Terry's love for racing drove him starting with go-carts, then racing cars, where his talent as a lead machinist took him to the forefront of automotive racing companies. This culminated in the founding of Phelps Machine R&D, a respected name in the racing world as an Original Equipment Manufacturer, embodying his relentless pursuit of excellence.
A lifelong lover of bowling, Terry began his bowling career at the age of 5 with his father and continued to bowl for many years, passing down his love of the sport to his children and grandchildren. His love for boating and fishing was just as deep; he patiently taught each of his grandchildren not just how to fish, but how to appreciate nature's simple joys. An artist at heart, he explored flameworking, wire wrapping, and lapidary arts with the same dedication he gave to everything else in his life.
Terry was the kind of person who could brighten any room with his presence. His love for teaching and sharing knowledge was boundless, always eager to help and inspire those around him. His sharp mind and keen reasoning were evident in every puzzle he solved and every challenge he faced, both in work and in life.
His devotion to family was immeasurable. Whether watching M.A.S.H. reruns with his kids, old cartoons with his grandchildren, enjoying pancakes at Old Sugar Mill Pancake House, or letting them take the wheel during family boating outings, including taking everyone out on the boat to watch fireworks, Terry created treasured memories-moments filled with patience, laughter, and love. His generous spirit showed in every boat ride, every game of bowling, and every lesson he lovingly imparted.
Terry leaves behind his wife, Gail B. (Stevenson) Phelps; children, Neil (Paulette) Phelps, Brad Phelps, and Shawna Wilson; grandchildren, Delden Phelps, Tyler Wilson, Jasmine Phelps, Karissma Phelps, Melissa Phelps, Aidan Wilson, and Kaitlyn Phelps; and great-grandson, Liam Turner. He was also cherished by his sister, Sally Shea.
He was preceded in death by his dear parents, Warren H. and Jean A. Phelps, and his nephew, Sgt. Nevada Krinkee.
Terry's spirit will forever live on in the warmth of those he touched and the love he shared. His life was a testament to determination, passion, and an unbreakable zest for living-an inspiring legacy that will continue to inspire all who knew him.
His family finds comfort in knowing that Terry's legacy will live on in their hearts, in the lessons he taught them, and in the countless memories they shared. Terry will be missed but never forgotten. His presence will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know him.
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