William Rainie Phelps, 87, passed away on August 7, 2026, following a remarkable life marked by service to his country, devotion to family, courage, generosity, hard work, and an unmistakable sense of humor. William was born on October 5, 1938, in Baldrock, Kentucky, to Pleasant "Plese" Don Phelps and Dorothy Evelyn Funk Phelps. He grew up in Kentucky as one of seven children. He had five sisters - Tootsie, Joy, Maxine, Sue, and his younger sister, Sharon Sellers - and a brother, Alexander, who died at the age of two. William's gift for words and his comfort speaking before others emerged at a remarkably young age. At just 12 years old, he became an ordained minister and would preach, an early expression of the storytelling ability and way with words that would remain with him throughout his life. As a young man, William enlisted in the United States Army, beginning what would become a distinguished 20-year military career and ultimately attaining the rank of Major. His service took him around the world, including significant time in Germany and assignments in Korea and Vietnam, as well as throughout the United States. During the latter 15 years of his military career, William served as an agent with U.S. Army Intelligence, specializing in special operations. His service was marked by extraordinary courage and sacrifice. Among his numerous military decorations were the Silver Star; Bronze Star Medal with four bronze oak leaf clusters and "V" device for valor; Purple Heart with bronze oak leaf cluster; Meritorious Service Medal; Air Medal with numeral 3; Joint Service Commendation Medal; and Army Commendation Medal with "V" device, along with numerous other campaign and service medals. After 20 years of service to his country, William retired from the Army on November 1, 1975. His service to the United States continued through government work following his military retirement. He also drew upon his extensive experience and training in intelligence, criminal investigation, and law enforcement to establish the Phelps Investigative Agency in Kentucky. William married Sandra Olga Whiteside Derringer Phelps in 1967. During their 32 years of marriage, they raised three children: Stacey Leigh (Raymond) Maple, Susan Rainie (Robert) Roddom, and Thomas Allen (Cassie) Phelps. Following his military career, William and his family eventually settled in Tampa, Florida. Continuing his education, he earned a master's degree in sociology from the University of Tampa. His entrepreneurial spirit also continued as he started and operated several small businesses before ultimately retiring. Later in life, William married Debra Phelps on July 10, 2004. Together they shared the next chapter of his life, living in several places before ultimately settling in Zephyrhills, Florida, where they made their home. Their marriage brought together a large and loving family, including Debra's children, Danny Joe Johnson, Dustin Johnson, and Charity Johnson, who became an important part of William's life. For all that William accomplished professionally and in service to his country, those who knew and loved him will remember just as clearly the man behind the medals and titles. William had a wonderful sense of humor and loved telling a good story, often taking his listeners down a winding path before arriving at a perfectly timed punchline. There was frequently a twinkle in his eye that let you know something was coming. He was quick to laugh, loved entertaining people with his quarter magic trick, and could often be heard whistling. He also possessed a generous spirit and a willingness to help others. William was known to stop and help strangers he encountered on the street, extending a hand to someone in need without expecting anything in return. William loved to fish and retained the creative side that had shown itself so early in his life. He enjoyed writing and, at different times, wrote poetry and song lyrics. Whether preaching as a boy, telling a story that ended with a laugh, writing a poem or song, or simply sitting and talking with someone, words were always an important part of who William was. William is survived by his wife, Debra Phelps; his children, Stacey Leigh (Raymond) Maple, Susan Rainie (Robert) Roddom, Thomas Allen (Cassie) Phelps, Dustin Johnson, and Charity Johnson; his younger sister, Sharon Sellers; 20 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who loved him dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents, Pleasant "Plese" Don and Dorothy Evelyn Phelps; his brother, Alexander Phelps, who died at the age of two; his sisters, Tootsie, Joy, Maxine, and Sue; Sandra Olga Whiteside Derringer Phelps, his wife of 32 years and the mother of Stacey, Susan, and Thomas, who passed away in 2019; and Danny Joe Johnson. William's life took him from a childhood in Kentucky and preaching at the age of 12 to service around the world; from a highly decorated Army officer and intelligence agent to an investigator, entrepreneur, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His medals tell a story of courage and sacrifice. His career tells a story of service and determination. But those closest to William will remember the other things, too - the stories and punchlines, the quarter trick, the sound of him whistling, his quick laugh, the twinkle in his eye, his love of fishing, and his willingness to help a stranger simply because someone needed a hand. Those are the pieces of William Rainie Phelps that will live on in the stories his family tells and in the generations he leaves behind. Services:  A viewing will be held on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Hodges Family Funeral Home at 36327 Pure Water Way Zephyrhills, 33541. William will then be laid to rest with military honors at 1:30 p.m. at Florida National Cemetery, 6502 SW 102nd Avenue, Bushnell, Florida 33513.