William Tedder Phelps

William Tedder (“Ted”) Phelps, 77, passed away on October 16, 2016 from complications of leukemia. Ted lived in Freeport, Maine, with his loving and devoted wife of 39 years, Laura. Ted and Laura were married on January 8, 1977, in Windermere, Florida. Ted is survived by Laura, their children, Randall Uncapher and wife, Deirdre; Kenneth Uncapher and wife, Susanne; Deborah Uncapher Braun; 7 grandchildren; Ted’s sisters, Susan Phelps Howard and Barbara Phelps Vann, of Tampa, Florida, and by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Ted was born in Ridgewood, New Jersey, on July 19, 1939. Ted’s family moved to Live Oak, Florida, before settling in Orlando in 1944. Ted attended Delaney Elementary, Cherokee Junior High and Boone High School, graduating in 1957. He graduated from the University of Florida, where he was recognized for his high academic achievements by being tapped into Phi Beta Kappa. Ted was also a member of Phi Delta Theta social fraternity. Ted pursued graduate studies at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Ted was a lifelong dedicated Gator fan. Ted was a veteran of the United States Navy. Ted had a deep and enduring interest in politics and government. Upon graduation, he joined with his friend and school mate, Bill Hamilton, by pioneering in political polling for Democratic candidates in Florida and across the United States. Ted was on the campaign staff of Governor LeRoy Collins in the 1968 U.S. Senate campaign. Ted was the chief of staff for Richard Pettigrew, Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives. Ted then worked for Bill Gunter, both on his Congressional staff and in the office of State Treasurer and Insurance Commissioner. Ted worked as Chief of Staff for now Senator Bill Nelson when he was in the United States House of Representatives. Ted gained the respect and love of many close friends. Ted had a superior intellect, a quick wit and an unexcelled loyalty and devotion to his family, and to his many friends. There will be a Graveside Service at Greenwood Cemetery in Orlando at 10:00 a.m. on October 25, 2016, with a gathering of friends to follow. The family has asked that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Arrangements entrusted to Baldwin-Fairchild Ivanhoe www.baldwinfairchildivanhoe.com.