Jay A. Phelps III, age 66, of Battle Creek, died Wednesday, July 12, 2017 at his home. Jay was born June 1, 1951 to Jay and Rose (Romano) Phelps, Jr. in Ypsilanti, MI. After graduating from high school, Jay enlisted in the US Air Force. He attended Richland College, Dallas, TX and received his Bachelor of Science Degree from North Texas State University. He had also attended Galilean Bible Institute and was an ordained Pastor. Jay was a standout baseball player and was scouted by several major teams during his college days. His passions were reading, studying, talking, and preaching the Bible, especially ministering in jails and prisons.
He married Marilyn McAtee in 1975. That marriage was blessed with a daughter, Rachel (Nick) Garcia of Lucas, TX and a son, Jason Phelps of McKinney, TX. He married Kimberly Billig in 1988 and was again blessed with sons, Zachary Phelps of Battle Creek and Micah Phelps of Lucas, TX.
Also surviving Jay are his beloved grandchildren, Sophie, Reid, Barrett, and Elaina Garcia and Grayson Phelps. Also surviving are a brother, Ralph (Joanna) Phelps of Highland, MI, and a sister, Malta Lee (Richard) Wall of Tenants Harbor, ME. Jay was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Shirley Eddy and Donna Newhouse. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Phelps children's college fund, the Bethel Baptist Church, Mission Fund, or the Secord Baptist Mission Fund.