William “Bill” M. Phelps

May 7, 1940 - March 12, 2019

William “Bill” Melvin Phelps, 78, a resident of Monterey, TN for the past ten years, formerly of Cape Coral, FL, passed away Tuesday, March 12, 2019 in Cape Coral, FL. He was born May 7, 1940 in Baltimore, MD to Emily and Charles Phelps, Sr., now deceased. Bill was a member of Revolution Church in Crossville, TN where he was baptized.

Bill is a veteran of the United States Air Force. He was an Airman First Class and served with the Strategic Air Command B52 bomber squadron in Morocco, North Africa. After proudly serving his country he returned to Baltimore where he joined the Baltimore City Police Department serving for thirteen years in various divisions including foot patrol, K9 division with his partner Lance, the German Shepherd, where he was wounded in the line of duty. He retired as a sergeant from the undercover vice and narcotics unit. Bill received multiple commendations from the city for his squad’s performance. It was during this time that he met his wife Mary who was an emergency room nurse. He walked into the trauma ER where she worked, and the rest is history. They both have always said it was love at first sight. Bill and Mary relocated to Cape Coral, Florida in 1981 where he joined the Cape Coral Police Department. He served in various capacities including field training officer, marine patrol, and personnel and training officer, among other positions. He was a certified firearms instructor, defensive driving instructor, and radar instructor. Bill taught at the Southwest Florida Police Academy for many years. He was also the Police Explorers coordinator for some time during his career in the CCPD. His favorite position was school resource officer where he touched many lives. He remained in contact with many of his students throughout his entire life. Bill was a past president of the Police Benevolent Association. He was active with the Boy Scouts of America as Cub Master. He was also a soccer coach for the Cape Coral Soccer Association. Mary and Bill were also host family to many foreign exchange students who they remain in close contact even now. Bill and Mary retired to the gorgeous Tennessee mountains after their retirement. There he spent many hours watching over the numerous birds and wildlife God left in his care. Bill enjoyed boating, diving, fishing and most of all traveling. He and Mary loved exploring our great country and logged many tens of thousands of miles with their RV. They also traveled extensively in the Caribbean, Central America and Mexico.

Bill would tell you his greatest source of pride and joy was raising his beloved sons, Justin and Joshua, who are the light of his life. He adores his grandchildren Natalee and KW. He came to Florida to welcome his Grandson, Dean, who is due in April, when he became ill.

If you ask what people will remember about Bill it would be his huge heart, sense of humor, and the fact that he never met a stranger, but most of all the love and devotion he shared with Mary.

He is survived by his beloved wife of over 43 years, Mary C. Phelps of Monterey, TN; two loving sons, Justin Phelps, Joshua Phelps and his fiancé, Tiffani Slack, all of Cape Coral, FL; sister in law, Charlotte Phelps of Indiantown, FL; nephews, Dean Phelps (Kathy) of Orlando, FL. Duane Phelps (Nancy) of Okeechobee, FL and niece, Alissa Phelps (Timothy Barbieri) of Port St. Lucie, FL; grandchildren, Natalee, Kaleb William, and one on the way plus many extended family members as well as Becky his beloved rescue cat and Penny his adored shih tzu.

Bill was preceded in death by his beloved brother, Charles Phelps Jr.

Memorial Services will be held 4:00 PM on Saturday, March 23, 2019 at Water’s Edge Church, 2213 Country Club Blvd., Cape Coral, FL 33990 with Pastor BJ Diggins officiating.

Memorial Contributions in memory of William “Bill” Melvin Phelps are suggested to Do the Right Thing,Cape Coral Police Department, PO Box 150027, Cape Coral FL 33915-0027.www.capecops.com/do-the-right-thing

Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cape Coral, is entrusted with final care.

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