Gerald Vance Phelps

   Gerald Vance Phelps, 67, of 313 Evans-Bass Road, Edenton, NC, passed away Wednesday, June 20, 2018 in his home.   Mr. Phelps was born in Tyrrell County on December 8, 1950, and was the son of Audrey Whines Phelps of Roper and the late Abe Harrison Phelps.  A retired automotive fleet supervisor from United Parcel Service, he was a member of Rocky Hock Baptist Church where he had served as a youth Sunday school teacher for 25 years.  A lifelong mechanic and collector of specialty tools, he was a Chevy classic car enthusiast.  He was a US Marine Corps veteran.  In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by a grandson, Deacon Brody Phelps.   Surviving along with his mother are his wife of 47 years, Mary Louise Harrell Phelps; a daughter, Natalie Phelps and husband, Michael, of Roper; a son, Gerald Phelps, II and wife, Valene, of Edenton; two sisters, Carol Smith of Roper and Barbara Bateman of Edenton; two brothers, Gary and Mike Phelps, both of Roper; six grandchildren, Braxton, Chase, Austin, Courtney, Connor, and Bowen; a great-granddaughter, Blair; several nieces, nephews, and extended family members; and his canine companion, Jake.   Funeral services will be held Saturday at 11:00 a.m. in Rocky Hock Baptist Church, and will be conducted by Dr. James Horton and Pastor Gregg Brookins.  Burial will follow in the Harrell Family Cemetery near the home.  Friends may join the family Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. in Miller Funeral Home & Crematory, 735 Virginia Road, Edenton, and all other times at the residence.   In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Rocky Hock Baptist Church, 113 Rocky Hock Church Road, Edenton, NC 27932.   Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.millerfhc.com.