Mr. James Bedford Arrington, age 90, of Covington, died Saturday, September 23, 2017, at his residence. He was the husband of Thelma Eloise Tingler Arrington.
Mr. Arrington was born September 10, 1927 in Alleghany County, the son of the late William Arnold Arrington and Laura Webb Arrington. A lifetime resident of this community, James served his country as a member of the United States Navy during World War II, where he was stationed in the Pacific Theatre of Operations. Following his discharge from the Navy, James served in the Virginia National Guard. Mr. Arrington was employed as an oiler for the paper machines by MeadWestvaco. He was a member of Fletcher Chapel United Methodist Church. James loved to hunt and fish as well as enjoyed boating and camping. Most of all, he loved spending time with his grandkids.
In addition to his wife, Thelma, Mr. Arrington is survived by three sons, James Michael Arrington and fiancée, Treva Seay, Ronald Wayne Arrington and wife, Connie, Arnold Samuel Arrington and wife, Frannie; a daughter, Gayle A. Martin and husband, Steve; eight grandchildren, Jamie Crowe, Tracey Loving, Stacey Hutchinson, Stephanie Wright, Laura Arrington, Erin Nicely, Meghan Potts and Sara Baker; fourteen great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; and a number of nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, William and Laura Arrington, Mr. Arrington was preceded in death by a brother, Elmer “Tuck” Arrington; a sister, Dreama Arrington Carter; a daughter-in-law, Donna Kay Arrington; and a granddaughter, Melissa Arrington Meagher.
A funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, September 26, 2017, from the chapel of Loving Funeral Home with Rev. Nancy Palmer officiating, assisted by Rev. Lynn Wright. Interment will follow in Fletcher Chapel United Methodist Church Cemetery.
Graveside rites will be conducted by the Curtis A. Smith Post 1033 Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Pallbearers will be Stephen Crowe, Craig Loving, Jeff Wright, Scott Hutchinson, Brad Nicely, Justin Potts, Andrew Baker and C.J. Matheny. Honorary pallbearer will be Barry Schell.
The family will receive friends on Monday evening from 7:00 P.M. until 8:30 P.M. at Loving Funeral Home.
The family suggests that memorial tributes take the form of contributions to the Fletcher Chapel Building Fund, 205 Fletcher Chapel Road, Covington, VA 24426.
Arrangements are being handled by Loving Funeral Home; www.lovingfuneralhome1913.com.