Paul Phelan, Jr.

life story

He followed Jesus with all of his heart, mind, strength, and soul

"I have been around some of the most well-known Christians and pastors of our day. I know of no man in this age who obeyed the Lord's leading to the same degree. I can say of Paul, Jesus was truly the Lord of Paul's life." - His friend

About Paul

Paul Phelan was born in Dekalb County, Georgia. He spent nearly his entire life in the Atlanta area.

He started is career as an Atlanta police officer working his way through SWAT and ultimately assigned to the DEA.

When he retired, he started his own legal consulting business where he helped lawyers with legal cases primarily with complex financial matters.

Paul met Jesus sometime in the early 2000's. It was the most consequential event in his life. At that time, Paul explained that it was like the Lord got a hold of him and directed Paul to read the Bible cover-to-cover and that the Lord would not let him leave until Paul did so. Paul finished it all in a few days. As Paul read the scriptures, he said the Lord pointed out to him every time that God was with him - from missed bullets to car accidents, and even having a gut feeling to make a turn to find a crime in progress.

It was then that Paul gave his life to the Lord and the Lord responded. Paul immediately quit smoking and drinking, cold turkey. He worked to clean up the rest of his life and turn away from a variety of other sins. He started to read scripture and pray daily, obey the smallest instructions, give to the poor, and attend church.

His understanding of God took off when he started Henry Blackaby's Experiencing God study. Paul purchased every Blackaby resource he could. Having a passion for revival, the fear of the Lord, and prayer he also studied J. Edwin Orr, Richard Owen Roberts, and others.

Paul felt called by the Lord to be single and never had any children.

Paul is survived by the impact he had on friends, the community, and those he ministered to.

While I could recount more of Paul's life, the summary of it is this. Paul met Jesus and Jesus became Paul's Lord and Savior. Paul spent his life thereafter doing what he could to make sure others knew of the certainty of the message recorded in the Bible:

That the one and only God who created all things decided to provide salvation from sins and its consequence of death by causing His Son, Jesus Christ, to die in our place. And by faith in Jesus there is power today to save us and a promise of life everlasting for all who believe.

memorial service

Celebration of Life

January 14, 2026

Johnson Ferry Baptist Church 955 Johnson Ferry Rd, Marietta, GA 30068, USA

The service will be held in the church's sanctuary.

In leu of flowers, please donate to Blackaby Ministries International.

After the service, there will be a short gathering for friends and loved ones to share stories. No food will be provided.

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Hines Home of Funerals Inc.