Edward James Phelan

Edward J. Phelan, loving father, grandfather and friend, died on April 22, 2014. Ed was born on February 19, 1934 in Linden, New Jersey. Upon returning from 3 years of service overseas in the Army Security Agency, he attended the University of Miami where he graduated in 1963 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. In 1962, he married his beloved wife Barbara E. Schmidt and had two children, Clay and Jennifer. He taught 6th grade in Miami for 3 years then left teaching to become a sales rep. He was transferred to Atlanta in 1972 where he raised his family. He was widowed in 1998 and remarried Betty M. Campbell in 2001, beginning a new chapter in his life. He was extremely active as a member of First Baptist Church Atlanta and an active board member of his community HOA. During the last chapter of his life, he enjoyed spending time and companionship with Marilyn Thayer, who was a very inspirational and uplifting person in his life. Ed is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Clay and Pam Phelan, his daughter, Jennifer K. Phelan, his adopted daughter, Lori Rivera, grandson, Christian Phelan (son of Clay), brother, Albert Phelan, Jr., and sisters, Judy Crowhurst and Alice Phelan, and Betty’s daughters, Kim Merizalde, Kelly Ruiz and Kristi Saunders. Ed was a caring, generous and patriotic man and an all-around wonderful person. He will be greatly missed by all! A Memorial Service to Honor and Celebrate the Life of Edward Phelan will be at 3:00 pm on Sunday, April 27, 2014 at Tom M. Wages Lawrenceville Chapel. The family will receive friends from 1:00 pm until the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Global Missions, First Baptist Church Atlanta, 4400 North Peachtree Road, Atlanta, GA 30338. Condolences may be expressed or viewed at www.wagesfuneralhome.com. Tom M. Wages Funeral Service, LLC “A Family Company,” Lawrenceville Chapel, 770-963-2411, 120 Scenic Hwy, Lawrenceville, GA 30046 has been entrusted with the arrangements.Read Obituary