Reverend Frank Grafton Phelps, Jr.

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Frank Grafton Phelps, Jr., age 74.

Born the son of Mima Marie (nee Johnson) and Reverend Frank G. Phelps, Sr. in Baltimore, he would come to live in Ohio for a time and settle finally in Gambrills.

Frank, a graduate of Andover High School, was very intelligent and had a gift for art.  His higher education was put on hold for a time however, when his country called him to serve in the Vietnam war.   Before departing he would marry the dear love of his life Nancy (nee King) who like so many prayed for his safe return. While in Vietnam, he was assigned to a Medivac Squadron as a door gunner and earned a purple heart during his time in the combat zone.  Following the war, Frank went on to continue his studies, graduating from Shawnee State, with an under graduate degree in art and then transferring to  Christian Bible College where he would earn a PhD. in Theology.  Frank was a straight "A" student throughout college and was, in fact, "an incredibly smart man and a fabulous artist."  For a time he supplemented the family income selling his oil paintings, his skills were that refined.  He was a talented musician and could play just about anything and had a beautiful voice.  It was said he sounded just like  the country music legend, Alan Jackson.  Frank also wrote gospel songs.  His devotion to his faith was unwavering and he made a career serving the Lord as Pastor of Gateway Christian Center for 38 years.  When he retired in 2019 Frank shifted his focus to teaching the bible.  Throughout his life, he enjoyed many hobbies such as football, weekly Golfing, fishing and music.  He also loved drag racing, from his youth and raced his own car.  He  started a "car ministry"  in Denton for youth and car advocates alike.  He shared this passion with his son Brian and grandson Joshua who, no doubt, will continue to be involved in racing in his memory.

Finally, it was said that Frank possessed a unique quality, in that he was a selfless individual and always saw the good in people.  He certainly has made an impression on the community at large and for those that had the privilege to know and love him, the world is a better place.

Surviving Frank is his afore mentioned dear wife of 54 years, Nancy, Chief Judge of the Orphans Court for  Anne Arundel County as well as his beloved son Brian S. and wife Amanda "Mandy" Phelps.  He will be forever cherished in the memories of his loving grandchildren, Sarah Elizabeth Phelps and Joshua Steven Phelps.  His best friend of 63 years, a man more like a brother,  Gordon "Gordy" March and wife Susan will deeply miss Frank.  His beloved sister-in-law Arlene Grimes and husband Alton "Pete" Grimes will mourn the loss as well as his niece Nanett Cochin, great-nephew Justin Cochin and Thomas Ryan Byrd and great great-nieces Arianna Cochin and nephew Jaden Cohin.

May angels sing thee to thy rest, sweet Frank..........

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