Marion Arnett, Sr.

Marion Lee Arnett, Sr., U. S. Army (Ret), 89, of Spartanburg, SC, went home to be with the Lord, family and friends on Sunday, July 20, 2014. Born February 17, 1925, in San Buenaventura, CA, Lee was the son of the late Joseph Marion and Hazel Anderson Arnett. Lee came to Spartanburg after serving on a B-24 flight crew as a belly gunner during World War II. He retired as a Major from the U. S. Army after 20 years of active service. During the early years, he flew 25 missions over Europe. Lee worked as an intelligence officer specializing in Japanese affairs when his flying missions ended. He received multiple medals and citations during his military career. After proudly serving his country, Lee went to work for the Textile Shops and Synalloy in Spartanburg. Following that position, he became one of the first employees to help start Hercules which later became Hoechst Celanese. While at Hoechst Celanese, he held multiple leadership positions and helped design their product line called "Trevira." Because of his leadership contributions to Hoechst Celanese and to South Carolina, Lee was awarded "The Order of the Palmetto." Following his retirement from Hoechst Celanese, Lee became an avid golfer, traveler, vegetable gardener and fisherman. Lee was a long time active member of Routh Memorial Presbyterian Church where he served as both Deacon and Elder. In later years, he became a member of First Presbyterian Church where he continued to serve the Lord especially on Mission Teams to the Dominican Republic. Lee is survived by four sons and daughters-in-law: Steven and Patty Arnett of Kauai, HI; Dr. M. Lee and Mary Arnett of Spartanburg, SC; Dr. Robert M. and Pam Arnett of Spartanburg, SC; and Joseph G. and Patricia Arnett of Jacksonville, FL; his sister, Sharon Barber of Placerville, CA; 7 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Lee was preceded in death by his loving wife of 54 years, Evelyn Goodwin Arnett in 2002; his brother, Edward L. Arnett in 2000; and his sister, Marjorie Houghton in 2006. The family will receive friends from 9:45-10:45 AM Thursday, July 24, 2014, in the parlor of First Presbyterian Church, 393 E. Main St., Spartanburg, SC 29302. A celebration honoring his life will follow in the church sanctuary at 11:00 AM, with The Rev. Dr. William L. Arthur and The Rev. Joanne R. Hull officiating. Interment with full military honors by the U. S. Army Honor Guard will be in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, 1300 Fernwood-Glendale Rd., Spartanburg, SC 29307. Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church for Solid Rock Ministries, 393 East Main Street, Spartanburg, SC 29302; or Lake Summit Foundation, 15 Westminster Court, Hendersonville, NC 28739. Floyd's North Church Street Chapel To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Marion L. Arnett, Sr. please visit our Sympathy Store.