Thomas Arledge

Thomas "Tom" N. Arledge, 81, of Spartanburg, SC, died Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at Spartanburg Medical Center. Born August 17, 1933, in Tryon, NC, he was the son of the late Edward Birch Arledge and Janie Louise Hudson Arledge. A U. S. Army veteran and graduate of Wofford College, Mr. Arledge was retired from Hoechst Celanese and was a long-time member of First Baptist Church of Spartanburg and the New Boys Sunday School Class. Tom was an all-around athlete, playing football, basketball, and baseball at Tryon High, football at Wofford; an avid golfer and member of Three Pines Country Club. He loved being outdoors where he fished and hunted. Tom loved the Lord and wanted to share the grace of God with others. This is evident from his over 40 mission trips to Brazil and Moldova with his best friend, Jess Brown. The mission teams they lead built numerous churches in Brazil and provided financial support for house churches in Moldova. Survivors include his beloved wife of 60 years, Josephine "Jo" Elder Arledge; daughters, Laura Balascio (Carey) of Newark, DE, and Paula FitzGerald (Stan) of Brandywine, MD; granddaughters, Phoebe Balascio and Kimberley FitzGerald; sisters and brothers, Marie Barton, Robert Arledge, James Arledge, Karen Carruth, and Nancy Lewellyn; numerous nieces and nephews; and also his caregiver and "adopted son" Steve Henderson (Angie). In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a sister, Louise Powell. Visitation will be 6:30-8:30 PM Monday, November 24, 2014 and 12:00 noon-12:45 PM Tuesday, November 25, 2014, at Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel, 2075 E. Main St., Spartanburg, SC 29307. Funeral services will follow at 1:00 PM Tuesday, at the Chapel, conducted by the Rev. Robert Morgan. Burial will be in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, 1300 Fernwood-Glendale Rd., Spartanburg, SC 29307. The family would like to thank all the staff and caregivers at Eden Terrace Evergreen and also, the wonderful nurses and doctors of the Spartanburg Regional Palliative Care wing, especially Julie, Patti, Tina, Kaitlyn, and Dr. Blankenship. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the IMB - International Mission Board, PO Box 6767, Richmond, VA 23230-0767 or the Alzheimer's Association, 901 South Pine Street, Spartanburg, SC 29302 or online at www.alz.org. Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Thomas "Tom" N. Arledge please visit our Sympathy Store.