AHOSKIE, NC – William “Bill” Ward Arrington, 83, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family on Monday, February 15, 2021.
Mr. Arrington was born on April 3, 1937 to Paul and Minnie Bell Arrington in Martin County, NC. He graduated from Ahoskie High School with the class of 1955. Bill then served his country for 28 years with the United States Coast Guard, retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer IV in 1980. After returning to civilian life, Bill fulfilled a second career with the Hertford County Social Services, retiring after 15 years of service to the community in that role. Guided by an entrepreneurial spirit, Bill was a proud business owner- he formerly owned a Sears Catalog Store in Ahoskie and until the time of his death he was co-owner of Arrington Insurance Agency Inc. His customers and employees were extended family. Bill was a dedicated member of First Baptist Church of Ahoskie where he was honored to serve as a deacon. However, the Ahoskie Food pantry was the mission to which Bill dedicated the latter part of his life. Generous with his time and personal finances, he sought to provide for the most vulnerable members of his community for over 20 years. Never one to seek the spotlight, Bill received various community service awards with the Governors Medallion Award for Volunteer Services in April of 2020 being one of the most notable. Bill loved his family dearly and will be deeply missed by all that knew him.
Along with his parents, Bill was preceded in death by the loving man who raised him as his own, Roland “Moe” Hardison; two brothers, Harry L. Arrington, and Gene Arrington, and a sister, Elizabeth Burden.
Bill is survived by his loving wife, Carolyn, two sons, Michael Ward Arrington and friend, Ralph Petty of Southern Pines, NC, and Calvin Ward Arrington and Keri-Helen of Garner, NC; two daughters, Sheila Lassiter and David of Ahoskie, NC, Angie Britton and Tim of Greenville, NC; sister, Kaye Yanez and Dan of Rocky Mount, NC; four grandsons, Travis Lassiter and wife Rachel of Ashburn, VA, Aaron Holloman of Harrellesville, NC, Caleb Arrington of Garner, Eli Arrington of Garner; a granddaughter, Kristin Buck of Trenton, NC; and two special friends, David Barnes, and Frank Jones who continue his legacy with the Food Pantry. Also surviving are several great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. His work daughters Abby Greene and Lashiara Hocutt held a special place in his heart.
A celebration of life memorial service will be held on Thursday, February 18, 2021, 1:00 pm at the First Baptist Church of Ahoskie, with Dr. Rev Trey Gilliam officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Food Pantry of Ahoskie, PO Box 159, Ahoskie, NC 27910 or online by clicking here
Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service – Ahoskie Chapel is handling the arrangements for the Arrington family and online condolences can be directed to the family by visiting www.garrettsykesfs.com
Date: Thursday, February 18, 2021
Time: 1:00 pm
With Military Honors
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205 NC Highway 42 West
Ahoskie, NC 27910
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Leah Newsome posted on 2/21/21
Bill was one of the kindest, unselfish, helpful, and most caring gentlemen I have ever encountered. My prayers go out to Carolyn, the rest of the family, his friends, church family, and the entire community as we all grieve his loss. I can well imagine the first words he heard from our Heavenly Father, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of thy Lord!"