Lawrence Freeman Phelps, 75, of Southport, NC was a devoted and loving husband, father, and Pops and passed away September 19, 2023.

 “Larry” was born April 19, 1948, in Selma, Alabama.  He graduated from AG Parrish High School in Selma, Alabama.  After High School he attended Auburn University where he graduated with a BBA in Business Administration and received a master’s degree from Florida Institute of Technology in Computer Science.  He was in the Adjutant General Corps of the United States Army where he spent 22 years. After retiring from the military as a Lt. Colonel he worked in the private sector for another 22 years. After he retired as an executive from Dell Computers in 2012, he and his wife moved to Southport, North Carolina. 

 Larry was a scuba dive Master and scuba instructor. He traveled all over the Caribbean with different dive groups.  He was certified in cave diving, rec diving, and deep diving among others.  He enjoyed golfing with his buddies.  While in North Carolina, Larry volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, served on the Coastguard Auxiliary, and was Chief of the Emergency Response Team at St. James Fire Department.  He was a member of the woodworking club where he made Toys for Tots.  He also built his grandson an electric guitar and his granddaughter a dollhouse which they will always treasure.

 Larry met his wife Lynn in High School and were married 55 years.  He was predeceased by his parents, Mae and Nelson Phelps and brother Johnny Phelps.  He is survived by wife Lynn, sons Andy (Jennifer), and Mark (Michaela), daughter Kristina, and his grandchildren Ethan and Emily Phelps, brother-in-law Paul (Mary) Duke, sister-in-law Kathy Phelps, nieces, nephews, and many family friends.

 Larry was an ultimate family man who loved his friends, his family, and his dogs. His selflessness was infectious and rubbed off on everyone he met.  He was one of a kind and will be truly missed.

There will be a Celebration of Life at a later date.

 In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to be made to the St. James Fire Department in Southport, NC (910-253-9990) or the American Heart Association (https://www.heart.org)