Richard “Dick” James Arthur, age 77, passed away on Monday, March 4, 2024, at his home in Clayton. He was born on April 11, 1946, in Oswego, New York and was the son of the late Harold Arthur and Betty Burr.
Dick was a graduate of Pulaski Academy. In December 1968, Richard married his loving wife, Jacqueline Diehl Arthur and they were married for 55 years.
Dick proudly served in the United States Marine Corps from 1965 to 1969. Richard served two tours as a combat veteran in Vietnam. He was a member of the Carry-On Detachment #1236 of the Johnston County Marine Corps League which he joined in December 2018. Dick served as the current Judge Advocate of the detachment. He was also a member of the MODD (Military Order of the Devil Dogs) Jessie O. Price Pound #210 of the North Carolina Pack. Richard was a regular participant in the NC Senior Games and the VA Golden Age Games. Throughout his life he continued to work with Veterans organizations and the VA Hospital.
He was a member of Memorial Lodge 648 F. & A.M. in North Syracuse, New York. Richard served as RW Master in 1989, and Grand Sword Bearer for the State of New York from 1989-1990. Additionally, he was a member of the Scottish Rite, the Shriners, and a member of the Masonic Lodge in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina. Dick enjoyed sports and nature and was an avid bowler and golfer.
Richard was a member of the UAW and worked as a machine repairman, retiring in 1999 after 30 years with Chrysler.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm at McLaurin Funeral Home in Clayton, NC on Monday, March 18, 2024, with a small reception following the service. An additional memorial service to coincide with his interment will be in Mexico, New York in July (final date to be determined).
Dick is preceded in death by father, Harold Arthur; mother, Betty (Burr) Stott and stepfather, James Stott.
Richard is survived by his wife of 55 years, Jackie Arthur of Clayton; son, Timothy Arthur and wife Jessica of Clayton; daughter, Angela of Liverpool, New York; grandchildren, Mira and Nolan Arthur of Clayton; brother, Kenneth Stott of Albany, New York; sister, Robin Conlon (Gary) of Albany, New York; and many loving family and friends.
Dick was known to all that knew him as a genuine, kind, and loving man.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to either of the following organizations:
Children’s Dyslexia Center of Central New York
8280 State Rt 69 PO Box 638 Oriskany, NY 13424
Carry-On Detachment #1236 Johnston County Marine Corps League PO Box 82 Clayton, NC 27528
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.11.1