Virgil Claude Phelps, 79, of Gordonville, Texas was called to his eternal home on Thursday, June 15, 2023.
Virgil was born on December 17, 1943 in Sherman, Texas to Leonard and Vera Elfa (Stubblefield) Phelps. He was a crane operator with McIntyre Cranes out of Fort Worth for many years. Virgil was a graduate of Whitesboro High School. He was a good athlete in high school participating in basketball, football, and track, he was a State Champion in high jump in 1962 and named all state in football. He enjoyed fishing and was an avid coon hunter. Virgil was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was affectionately known as Paw Paw to the grandchildren and grandpawpaw to the great-grandchildren.
He is survived by his son, Brad Phelps and wife, Carla of Gordonville; grandchildren, Megan McCoy, Layne Moore and husband, Alex Moore, and Jeremy Phelps; great-grandchildren, Luke, Easton, Peyton, Savannah, and Gentry; brothers, William “Dub” Phelps, Orval Phelps, and Billy Phelps; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Virgil was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Vera Elfa Phelps, wife, JoAnn Phelps, son, Todd Phelps, and siblings, Vera Lou, Christine, J.E., Betty, Patsy, Brenda, Glenda, Robert, and Rhonda.
Funeral services honoring Virgil will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, June 21, 2023 at Meador Funeral Home of Whitesboro. Interment will follow at New Rest Haven Cemetery in Gainesville. A time of visitation for family and friends will be held on Tuesday, June 20, 2023 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the funeral home.
I know our class of 1962 all loved Virgil. He was such a kind, gentle soul. He was an outstanding athlete and we were all so proud of him. Heaven will be brighter with him there! Much love and prayers to his family.
Martha Chisum
Heaven has gained a shiny soul! Virgil was a kind and gentle boy and a talented athlete, never bragging on his own accomplishments. May God bless and comfort his family.
I always liked Virgil. I think everyone that ever met him did. He was just that type person. He will be missed by all that ever met him. Prayers for all the family!
Several years ago, Virgil greeted me when we were both walking into Walmart in Decatur. It was such a surprise, and I will treasure the joyful few memories that we shared during that short time. I will remember him always as the friendly, quiet and kind classmate that he was.
Virgil was such a gifted athlete. I remember well one senior year home Basketball game when “shortly” before game time coach and the rest of us were concerned..”Where is Virgil”?? We needed him badly, as he was our go-to guy. We heard he was finishing up farm chores, but would be on his way. He arrived no more than 2-3 minutes before the start. I knew as a “so-so” guard that my objective was to get the ball in to Virgil. Then on our senior trip Virgil, Doodle and Joe McKenzie were dropped off at the U. Texas track with coach. Naive as I was, I was thinking “they are missing our senior trip” WELL, Virgil walked away with the State high jump trophy. Virgil was such a natural athlete. He would be smiling even when the rest of us were not making winning type plays. RIP my friend.
Virgil was a really neat friend and super athlete. We will all miss him. Take care My Good Bud!!
Sorry for the passing of Virgil he was a wonderful man my husband was a very close uncle and friend. They will be together in Heaven with the rest of the clan. Praying for you all
I remember Virgil for his kindness, one he would not even recall but meant a great deal to me. I wish his family peace and joy in remembering him.
Virgil was always so kind. I remember him as a giant among us all.our class of 62 loved Virgil.
Our condolences. You will be missed Uncle Virgil. We will cherish the memories. Love Mark and Donna McCauley
My condolences to Virgil’s family. It’s odd how memories are made from 4 years of HighSchool and recalled at times like this. I liked Virgil. He had a warm smile and was respectful to everyone – except athletes on opposing teams. His loss leaves a void in our universe.
Virgil lived across the road from us
and we spent many hours on his back porch at “spit and whittle.”
His stories of growing up in Whitesboro and hunting were always entertaining. He always had good advice on lawn mower repair! We will miss our Virgil!
Uncle Virgil was an amazing, fun, caring and loving man. I always looked forward to our trips to Texas when I was a child. Uncle Virgils was one of my favorite places to go. Brad and Carla I will be keeping you and your family in my prayers. He will be missed! Until we meet again Uncle Virgil. Rest in God’s sweet peace.