Walter Ralph "Walkie" Phelps

Walter Ralph Walkie Phelps died peacefully on Friday, July 27, 2018 at the home of his beloved brother Hal Phelps in Louisville, TN at the age of 63 after a battle with heart disease. Walkie was born in Blount County on December 12, 1954. He was preceded in death by his parents Ralph and Jackie Phelps and sister Claire Phelps of Louisville. Walter spent his young life in hard work on the familys farm. He attended Friendsville High School and received his high school diploma from Marion Richardson Adult High School. He spent his adult life devoting time to continuing his fathers business of Phelps Limestone. He greatly enjoyed and took pride in operating the limestone business. He expressed his appreciation for his customers with his care and generosity. He also enjoyed raising cattle with a caring and loving touch that he showed to all around him be it people or animals. He never met a stranger. He had a quick smile that would brighten any room. He entertained others with his laughter and telling funny stories from his childhood and young adulthood. He is survived by his long time best friend, Ruth McInturff and by his daughter Tia Thompson and granddaughters, Brooke, Lakelynn and Iyla. He is also survived by his remaining siblings and their spouses: Jacqueline and Ken Mack, Kathy and Conley Morris, Hal and Rhonda Phelps, Sara and Mark Clevenger, Johnnie Phelps, Charles Lloyd Rooster Phelps along with many nieces and nephews. Receiving of friends is set for Wednesday, August 1, 5-7 pm at McCammon Ammons Funeral Home, Maryville, TN. Funeral service to follow at 7pm with Dr. Paul Grady officiating. The family and friends will meet at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, August 2, 2018 at Holston College Cemetery in Louisville for the interment. The family wishes to convey special thanks to all of the Caris Hospice Team, Brothers Hal and Rooster , daughter Tia, step-niece Christie Wilson, family friend Luke Vance for providing care, and to Beatrice Free for the many wonderful meals. The family would also like to thank friends and neighbors for coming to visit and pray with Walter.