Ronald Guyton Phelps

October 23, 1932 - September 25, 2018
Ronald Guyton Phelps

Memorial Gifts & Donations




Ronald G. “Ron” Phelps passed from this life into that life which is eternal on Tuesday September 25, 2018 at New Hanover Regional Medical Center following a accident at his home during Hurricane Florence at the age of 85.

Ron was born in Wilmington, NC on October 23, 1932, the son of the late Walter G. and Thelma Hewett Phelps at James Walker Hospital. He attended Forest Hills Grammar School, then New Hanover High School graduating in the class of 1952. He loved all sports and was a member of the 1951 NHHS State Championship basketball team. Upon graduation he enrolled at Wilmington College on a basketball scholarship. He entered into the U.S. Navy March 3, 1953, completed boot camp in San Diego, CA, then completed electronics school in Great Lakes, IL. He served on three ships, the USS Bannock ATF 81, USS Exploit MSO 440, and the USS Lloyd Thomas DDE 764, a destroyer in Newport, RI. He often spoke of the good fortune to have made a European cruise, two trips to Havana, Cuba and a cruise that took him to seven countries in South America while on the USS Lloyd Thomas.

Upon discharge from the Navy on March 26, 1957 he re-entered Wilmington College and graduated in the class of 1959 after which he attended NC State.
Ron always felt fortunate and blessed to have been hired by Nationwide Insurance Company where he served as a field claims man until he entered the agency sales force in October 1969 building his agency from scratch. He retired from Nationwide October 31, 2006 after a career of just 90 days short of 45 years.

Ron was a 32nd Degree Master Mason, a member of the Scottish Rite and of Sudan Temple. He was a life member of the Arab Shrine Club, and a former member of the Wilmington Cape Fear Rotary Club. In addition, he was a long time active member of Elks Lodge BPOE 532.

Ron treated each day as a special gift from God and strived each day to make a joy out of daily living realizing that he shall not pass this way again. He wanted those around him to likewise be happy and enjoy a good story and a laugh. He always loved one-liners and quick wit in conversation with friends. He would often comment, “Laughter is good for the soul”. His glass never seemed half empty but rather half full. His motto was, “Live today as if there were no tomorrow”. Ron founded the Facebook page Wilmington Hometown Memories and had over 9,000 followers.

Ron always felt lucky and blessed to have lived by the water all his life. Spending time on his boat, “SO FINE” with family and friends were special times. In the early years, much time was spent water skiing and fishing. A good suntan was a must if you were going to look your best and healthy.

Ron loved a beautiful yard and a large variety of brilliant flowers to enhance the green grass. Many hours were spent tending the yard and watching the boat traffic out front with his beloved dogs “Lady”, “Ginger” and “Mitch” in that order over the years always by his side as if to give a hand if needed.

Ron married the former Carolyn Newton in 1962 and they shared many wonderful years of joys, struggles, and triumphs building an unforgettable love story together, until her death on November 6, 2017.

In addition to his parents and his wife, Ron was also preceded in death by his brother Walter Kenneth Phelps, two stepsons Mark N. Shepard, and Tracy Shepard and a grandson Justin Shepard.

Surviving Ron are a step-son James Stephen Shepard and three grandchildren. Also surviving are niece Paula P. Turner and husband Mark, his beloved neighbors Whitey Prevatte and wife Betty, and Tommy Watters and wife Kim.

Funeral services will be conducted 11:00 AM Monday October 1, 2018 at Temple Baptist Church with Reverend Mark Gaskins and Reverend Jay Young officiating. Burial will follow at Oleander Memorial Gardens with American Legion Post 10 Honor Guard rendering military honors.

The family will see friends 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM Sunday September 30, 2018 at Wilmington Funeral Chapel.

The family would like memorials to be directed to The Salvation Army of Cape Fear, Hurricane Relief Fund. Donations may be made at TMCFunding.

Please share memories and condolences with the family by clicking on the ” Post a Condolence ” tab below.

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation, 1535 S. 41st Street, Wilmington, NC 28403
910.791.9099


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  • September 29, 2018
    Daniel lee shearon says:
    Meeting ron and briefly his wife at carolina beach with my grandad for some surf fishing..i was 11 and my dad( george wyatt shearon) always spoke fondly of ron' s great demeanour..i truly feel like a part of my hometown has been taken from me..i am beyond sad for one' s close to him and will always remember him as just the nicest person on all levels..rest in peace in the light of a heavenly beach sunset...

  • September 28, 2018
    Phyllis Barbour Suggs says:
    I am, unfortunately, one of the many that never met Ron in person, however I considered him to be a dear friend. I am part of the 9,000+ members of Ron's brilliant site for people who live or have lived in the beautiful town of Wilmington, N.C.. We all felt blessed to call Wilmington our hometown and there was never a greater cheerleader than Ron when it came to all things Wilmington. However he made us all feel so much more by sharing in his life. We got to see his beautiful photographs of his wife, friends, his home and historical pictures of life around his beloved hometown. We all got bedtime songs too. What a wonderful man that will be so greatly missed by all that got to know him whether in person or by chatting or sharing on Hometown Memories. RIP my sweet friend.

  • September 28, 2018
    Susan moore skinner lit a candle:
    Lit since September 28, 2018 at 9:52:34 AM

  • September 28, 2018
    Leigh Anne Coe-Shepard says:
    Ron...you were the best father-in-law! I loved laughing with you and trading jokes. Having known you since I was about 4yrs old, you were always family to me. I loved going to the office you shared many years ago with my dad. In 2002 I married your stepson, Tracy, and you actually did become family! That was such a beautiful and happy day, partly because you made it so. You loved me like a daughter. And I have always felt so blessed to be part of the family. You and Carolyn were amazing people and I’ve loved you so very much. Being in your world was so much fun!! I will miss you! Give my love to my Dad and Scott, Carolyn, Tracy, Mark and Justin. I know you all will be there waiting for me with open, loving arms. Steve and Andy: I love you guys and hope you will call me if you need me. We’ll always be family. I love you both. Sending my love and prayers. Leigh Anne Coe-Shepard

  • September 28, 2018
    Donna Putnam says:
    Wilmington forever