Charles J. Arrington Jr.

Published 5:22 pm Tuesday, October 13, 2015

COURTLAND — Charles James Arrington Jr. passed away on Oct. 12, 2015, at the age of 84.

He was a native of Isle of Wight County, and the eldest child of Mabel Galtress Arrington and Charles James Arrington Sr.

He was a graduate of Carrsville High School, Bluefield Junior College and the University of Richmond. He enrolled in ROTC, and upon completion of college served three years in the United States Air Force being discharged with the rank of captain.

He grew up attending Beaver Dam Baptist Church, later becoming a member of Newsoms Baptist Church and most recently was a member of Courtland Baptist Church. He served as a teacher, deacon, superintendent and other positions when needed.

Charles was a partner in Southampton Tractor Company and Cogsdale Implement Company. He was a member of the Virginia Farm and Industrial Equipment Association, and for many years served on its Board of Directors including one year as president. Upon retirement, he held a number of part-time positions, which included ticket master at the Southampton Motor Speedway, weighing peanuts in the fall, and working as chief of the Courtland voting precinct.

He enjoyed fishing, hunting and playing bridge. An avid lover of sports, Charles played community baseball, basketball and softball until his body screamed “Please stop!” He favored the Redskins and Boston Red Sox. He was an enthusiastic gardener who spent many happy hours “farming” and entertaining his friends while sitting on the tailgate of his vintage truck with classical music playing on the radio. By his account, even on 100-degree days there was always a delicious breeze at the garden.

Charles was a charter member of the Nottoway Investment Club, and served as its treasurer since 1969. He was a dedicated Ruritan in Newsoms and most recently in Courtland, where he held several offices over the years, including zone governor. He was a member of the Manry Hunt Club, where he went by the handle “Sheik,” and was a charter member of the Courtland Rescue Squad. He was a member of the Newsoms Masonic Lodge and recently Courtland Masonic Lodge. Charles served on the Board of Directors at Southampton Academy and one year as its varsity baseball coach.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 60 years, Jacquelyn Cogsdale Arrington; and his two sons, Charles James Arrington III and Kevin Lee Arrington and his wife, Amy.

He was predeceased by his three sisters, Inell Rutledge, Carolyn Clifford and Tena Goodson; and one brother, the Rev. Eugene Arrington.

Visitation will be on Thursday, Oct. 15, from 6-7 p.m. at Wright Funeral Home in Franklin.

The funeral will be on Friday, Oct. 16, at 1 p.m. in Newsoms Baptist Church. Burial with military honors will follow at Hollywood Cemetery in Newsoms.

The family requests that memorial donations be made to the American Heart Association. www.wrightfuneralhome.org.