Benton E. ‘Jack’ Phelps Jr., passed away recently in Huntsville following a long illness. He was born on May 14, 1920 in Elkton, Tennessee and grew up in nearby Pulaski. Following his schooling, he volunteered and became a proud member of the United States Marine Corps. As a Marine Sargent during World War II, he participated in various campaigns within the Pacific theater of operations that included the islands of Guadalcanal, New Britain, Pelelui and Okinawa. Following his military service, Jack attended the University of Tennessee- Knoxville where he met and married the former Geraldine Keith. She was the love of his life and they recently celebrated 68 years together. Graduating with an accounting degree, Jack and Jerry moved to Huntsville in 1955, working first with the US Army Missile Command and later with NASA. At the time of his retirement, he was serving as Chief of Financial Management for the Marshall Space Flight Center. He was a founding member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Huntsville as well as a charter member of Valley Hill Country Club. Jack loved his family, all of his neighbors, his golfing buddies and “Big Orange” sports. He was also known to grow some of the best backyard tomatoes in South Huntsville.
Including his wife, Geraldine, Jack is survived by his son James and wife Cindy of Brentwood, Tennessee, son Richard and his wife Marilyn of The Villages, Florida, granddaughter Jessica and her husband Robert Shaughnessy of Valdosta, Georgia and sister, Jerry Springer of Columbia, Tennessee.
A graveside service will be at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 14, at Maple Hill Cemetery.
