Joe Lee Phelps passed away Saturday, September 28, 2019 at the age of 72. He was born July 16, 1947 in Fort Worth, Texas. Joe was a family man who lived his life surrounded by those he loved and made sure they all knew he loved them.
He did not need to use too many words for people to listen when he spoke. Joe had precision and confidence when he chose to weigh in with words of encouragement, an anecdote or well-timed joke. The impact he had on those lucky enough to be around him was profound as he had a positive influence on any that knew him. Whether it is a story from his youth or his thoughts on the current sporting events, whatever he decided to say was worth noting. There have been, and will continue to be, many times where his wisdom has been passed on to others from someone that he originally told.
One of his most admirable qualities was his patience and collected demeanor. Never seeming too excited or upset, his approach was always measured and cautious as if knowing that those around him were always looking his way for guidance. This comes as no surprise considering he always had a flurry of action around him from one of the many kids, grandkids or dogs. Joe was always the favorite person in the room and deservedly garnered the majority of the attention.
His favorite times may have very well been spent outside. Between sitting in a deer stand, on a boat dock, in a golf cart or on the sidelines of one of his kids’ games, he was a true outdoorsman in every sense. But take caution if you ever chose to compete against him as he wasn’t a fan of losing, especially to one of his own children. If you wanted pointers for athletic improvement, he was proud to lend his expertise and, typically, didn’t even charge for it.
Joe was also a man of many talents. He could beat you at pool without giving you a turn, answer every question in jeopardy without google, ramble off random facts that stick with you forever, put you in your place with his never ending wit, give you the best advice and come up with a mean football limerick. He was an excellent cook, always ensuring you got your favorite meal whenever you were with him and his weekly football summaries to his kids along with his personal gifs never stopped being stupidly accurate and increasingly funny. Joe was a man of stature, a man of trust, and a man that should be celebrated like the Rangers would if they won the World Series. He will be missed deeply and loved forever!
Joe is survived by his wife, Trina Phelps; six children, Amy Holtman and husband, Kelli, Amanda Yarbrough and husband, Kyle, Timi Herring, John Phelps and wife, Heather, Tawnee Phelps-Little, Hunter Phelps; five grandchildren, Alex Holtman, Hutson Little, Harrison Phelps, Raelee Phelps and Collier Yarbrough. As well as his four brothers, Russ Phelps and wife, Sharon, Treye Phelps and wife, Cathy, Kyle Phelps and wife, Karen and Jim Reynolds and many uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins. His love, laughter and wit will live on in them forever!