Emmett Mcarthur

Mr. Emmett Lyle McArthur, 96, of Spartanburg, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, June 21, 2011. Born May 15, 1915, in Chester, SC, he was the son of the late David Lyle and Mattie Locke McArthur, and husband of the late Bertha Ezell McArthur. Emmett served in the Pacific with the 5th Air Force during World War II at the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was the recipient of the Bronze Star for his meritorious service. He graduated from Spartanburg High School and was married to his "Sweetheart Bertha" for almost 75 years. She preceded him in death in 2010. They worked side-by-side for many years in their business, McArthur Shoe Clinic, and were active together in their church, First Baptist of Spartanburg. Emmett was a very hard worker and giver to others. No one in the family was surprised to look out in their yards and see him cutting their grass, trimming trees, and helping them in any way he could. After he retired, he gave himself to the toy ministry at First Baptist. He would totally restore bikes that looked as if they were hopeless. So many underprivileged kids had bikes for Christmas because of Emmett. He built a lake home on Lake Lanier in Tryon, NC, and it was a joy to all the family for many years. He spent hours taking everyone to ride in his boat and pulling them on skis. He never seemed to tire of his grandkids, nieces, and nephews. He not only took them water skiing but also to the slopes to snow ski. Surviving is his daughter, Sylvia McArthur Anderson and son-in-law Raymond of Charlotte, NC; grandchildren, Gary Anderson, his wife Paula, and their children, Mattie and Moriah of Huntersville, NC; Gaye Anderson Goad, her husband Tim, and their children, Blake and BreAnn of Celebration, FL; Scott Anderson, his wife Cindy, and their children, Carly, Landon, and Spencer of Charlotte, NC; and many very special nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. He is predeceased by an infant son, Lyle McArthur and two sisters, Elizabeth McArthur Ellis and Margaret McArthur Santos. He was truly an amazing man and will be greatly missed by his family and friends, but we all rejoice that he is now with Jesus and his beloved Bertha. Visitation will be 10:00-10:45 AM Thursday, June 23, 2011, at Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 AM, in the Chapel, conducted by the Rev. Greg Dry. Burial, with military honors, will be in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. Memorials may be made to Hospice Care of South Carolina, 110 Dillon Drive, Spartanburg, SC 29307; or First Baptist Church of Spartanburg, 250 East Main Street, Spartanburg, SC 29306; or Mobile Meals Service, PO Box 461, Spartanburg, SC 29304. Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Emmett Lyle McArthur please visit our Sympathy Store.