Dr. Arlie Dewey Phelps, Jr.
August 30, 1936 – September 16, 2024
A memorial service for Dr. Arlie Dewey Phelps, Jr., 88, of Cairo, GA, will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 5, 2024, at Bethel United Methodist Church, Reno, GA. Rev. Ron McCaskill will officiate. Dr. Phelps passed away at his home on Monday, September 16, 2024.
Dr. Phelps was born on August 30, 1936, in Moultrie, GA, to the late A.D. Phelps, Sr. and Helen Heath Phelps. He grew up in Americus and later was a graduate of Camilla High School where he excelled on the golf team. After graduation and knowing his goals in life, 18-year-old Dewey boarded a train to attend Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, IA. Thus, began his distinguished 50-year career as a doctor of chiropractic. Upon graduation, he practiced with Dr. John Boutwell in Augusta, GA. While practicing in Augusta, he married Ramona Carroll, and they had one daughter, Angie Ramona Phelps. Upon moving his family to Cairo, he bought the Bell House on North Broad Street and began his private practice in 1961.
On November 3, 1973, he married Betty Maxwell Phelps. They were married for over 50 years. Dr. Phelps was a former deacon at the First Baptist Church of Cairo and later became a member of the Bethel United Methodist Church. He also served in the community with the Cairo Rotary Club. His connection with his patients went far beyond the professional realm and extended to personal relationships. In addition, his passion for nature and the outdoors fostered an appreciation that his son and grandchildren will cherish for years to come. He also loved the North Georgia and Carolina mountains and traveling on many golfing adventures with friends.
Survivors include his wife, Betty M. Phelps of Cairo, GA; son, Heath Maxwell Phelps (Tara) of Valdosta, GA; daughter, Angie Phelps Robinson (Dr. Robie Robinson) of Amelia, VA; grandchildren, Ellis Claire Phelps and Maxwell McKinnon Phelps both of Valdosta, GA, Dr. Nathan Robinson (Jessica) of Amelia, VA, Barak Robinson of Bend, OR, Abigail Robinson of Amelia, VA; great-grandchildren, Eden Robinson, Lilly Robinson; and a brother, Keith David Phelps (Annette) of New Port Richey, FL.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his first wife, Ramona Carroll Phelps, the mother of Angie.
Memorials may be made in Dr. Phelps memory to: Bethel United Methodist Church, or Reno Community Center, both c/o Marguerite Maxwell, 150 Byron Street, Cairo, GA, 39828.
The Phelps family wishes to express their love and appreciation to his devoted and longtime office employee, Annell Harrison Allen and to Georgia Hospice for their care and loving support.
The family will receive friends immediately following the service at the church.
