James "Cecil" Arthur

James Cecil Arthur, 55, of Bettie, passed away Thursday, June 4, 2015.

A funeral service will be held 4:00 p.m Sunday, June 7, 2015 at Woodville Baptist Church with Rev.Terry McIinnis officiating. Interment will follow at Woodville Gardens Cemetery.

James Cecil Arthur, our little Eskimo, was born on July 10, 1959 to Hedrick & Hazel Arthur in Ketchikan, Alaska. Following graduation from East Carteret High School he joined the U.S Coast Guard for a 6-year stint and then returned home to Carteret County. He was employed by Owens Corning until its closing and then he began his own business, Arthur's Carpet Cleaning. During this time he was also employed as a chief Engineer for the N.C. Ferry system, where he worked until a serious accident and injuries led to his retirement.

Cecil enjoyed life, being around people and sports, especially fishing, hunting and baseball. Cecil's love of baseball started in Hialeah, FL. when he was 6 and continued through high school. A better than good ball player, he was scouted by the Philadelphia Phillies. Cecil had a good heart and would help anyone he could. He never met a stranger, just people he didn't know yet, and he had the ability to make you smile even during a serious conversation.

On May 2nd of this year, Cecil rededicated his life to the Lord. Later, in talking with Pastor McInnis about being baptized, he told him, "You are going to have to hold me under a long time, because I am extra dirty, and I want to be extra clean. I mean I don't want you to drown me or something like that ".Sometime during the evening of June 3-4, Cecil's journey here on earth came to an end and he went home. He leaves behind a family who loved him and will miss him greatly.

Cecil is survived by his two daughters, Karli Arthur of Beaufort and Kristi Paylor and husband Richie of Beaufort.; three grand children, Ashlyn, Allie and Hudson; mother, Hazel Arthur of Bettie; sister, Vonne Lewis and husband Gray of Bettie; brother, Dalton Arthur of Bettie; nephew, Drew Lewis and wife Ginna of Fayetteville; niece, Lisa Lewis and great-niece, Grayson of Bettie.

Cecil was preceded in death by his father, Hedrick Durwood Arthur; nephew, Gray Lewis,Jr. and grandparents, James Ivey and Guila Arthur, and Cecil and Leona Gilgo.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to service at the church.

Flowers are welcome or memorial donations to Acts Food Pantry 450 Hwy E. Bettie, Beaufort, NC 28516