Robert Milton Phelps

Robert Milton Phelps, 90, of Wilkesboro, NC, passed away January 10, 2023. He has since met his goal in life by meeting his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, having since heard Him proclaim "Well done, thou good and faithful servant." He was born May 25, 1932, to Milton Robert and Hazel Amanda (Stormer) Phelps. Bob lived much of his life in Akron, Ohio, and was a 1950 graduate of Buchtel High School and 1954 graduate of Kent State University. During high school and college, he was a storied track and field athlete, most notably as a record-breaking pole vaulter. After college, he proudly served in the Army for two years. He was a long-time member of The Chapel in Akron (Fir Hill) and served as deacon and Chairman of the Trustees; as head of the building committee responsible for construction of the worship center addition, he frequently recounted how the project “came in on time and under budget”. After moving to the Atlanta, Georgia area in 1984 he remained active at several churches, including Peachtree Corners Baptist Church. His love for his Lord and family was all that surpassed his love for motorcycling. He relished sharing stories about the riding community and took pride in announcing he was on his 19th bike. In fact, he rode through 87 years of age and looked forward at least once each year to leading a family ride through the local mountains for his birthday. Bob never met a stranger and had a knack for finding the new person in the group or someone who may need a word of encouragement. His humor and relationship building skills were in part driven by his desire to always show the love of Christ to others. In the last 7 years of his life, he moved to Wilkesboro, North Carolina, to be closer to family. His new senior living apartment at Rose Glen Village truly became his home, with residents and staff becoming his extended family. Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Carol; son, David; sisters, Geraldine Stalnaker and Doris Hollister; and brother-in-law, Bruce Ward. He is survived by his daughters, Pam Badner of Akron, OH, and Kathy Bricker and son-in-law Leigh of North Wilkesboro, NC. He is also survived by grandchildren Diane Tomak (Duane) of Smithville, OH, and Jeffery Badner (Candice) of Carroll, OH. Great-grandchildren include Cooper Tomak, Casey Tomak, Bryce Badner, and Barrett Badner. Bob is the proud uncle of Susan Waggoner (David), Rick Stalnaker, Terry Hollister (Janie), Phil Hollister (Karen), Jill Wait (Tony), Teresa Sauner (Steve), and Michael (Valerie) Ward. A memorial motorcycle ride is planned for the spring in North Carolina, and a graveside service will be held at a later date in Ohio. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to Burnham Ministries International at www.burnhamministries.com or the charity of choice. Gentry Family Funeral Service in Yadkinville is handling the local arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.gentryfuneralservice.com.