Online Memorial Tribute

GASTONIA - Steve L. Arrowood, 75, passed away July 20, 2008, at his home after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Gastonia on Oct. 3, 1932, son of the late Lewis William and Maude Hull Arrowood. Mr. Arrowood grew up in West Gastonia. He was a charter member of East Garrison Baptist Church. Steve was a US Army Korean War Veteran, where he was a machine gun specialist. For more than 20 years. he was employed with Groves Thread Manufacturing Company and later retired with George Mason Realty after 15 years. Mr. Arrowood loved scouring the flea market for treasures and spent his weekends doing just that. Over the years, he was always there to lend a hand and check in on the elderly shut-ins that he knew were in need. He never met a stranger and had a strong, deep love for his family. A service to celebrate his life will be held 2 p.m. Wednesday at Greene Funeral Service, South Chapel in Gastonia, officiated by Pastor Pat Arrowood. A visitation will be held 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Survivors are his loving wife of 56 years, Evelyn Parrott Arrowood, of the home; daughters, Becky Kendrick and husband Allen of Kentucky, Donna Arrowood of Gastonia, Martha Miller Pelc and husband Russ of Dallas, Beth Archer and husband Richard of Gastonia; eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild; sisters, Hilda Olive and husband Jack of Gastonia, Ann Williams of South-port, Patsy Summitt and husband Ben of Gastonia; brothers, Bill Arrowood and wife Pat of Newbern; very close friend and buddy, Tim Martin and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Steve Lewis Arrowood Jr. and brothers, Ray Everette Arrowood , Benjamin 'Ben' Arrowood and Burt Arrowood, who passed at age 2 years. Interment will be at Gaston Memorial Park in Gastonia. Memorials may be made to Gaston Hospice, P. O. Box 3984, Gastonia, NC 28054 Condolences may be sent to www.greenefuneral.com Arrangements by Greene Funeral Service, South Chapel in Gastonia.

Published in the Gaston Gazette from 7/21/2008 - 7/22/2008

Steve touched many lives. He loved people and cared for people. He loved old things: clocks, antique glass, and old cars. He was forever extending a hand to those in need. It may have been as simple as a breakfast, delivered, but he looked out for others in many ways. He was a special man. A simple man, but he had a heart of gold.

He took me as a child one Christmas morning to a house that sat out in a field. It was a run-down house heated with an old woodstove. An elderly couple lived there with numerous grandchildren that they were raising. I had presents that I had wrapped up, not knowing who they were for. The children gathered around us, shyly. The heavy smell of woodsmoke hung in the small room. The grandmother cried when she opened her gift of a red lace slip. We had a fruitcake and gifts for all the kids. It was a Christmas Morning that I will never forget..I stood there in awe of the Christmas gift my father had given me.

It is a blessing to give..much more than it is to receive..My Dad showed me this example all through my life. If there was a need..he saw to it that it was supplied. I will never forget that act of kindness that he did or the important lesson that it taught me.

My Dad was active and healthy for the major part of his life. He had a rapid decline in health, including heart surgery and finally,cancer. Lymphoma B-Cell.  He was so full of life, and loved life so, that it is hard to imagine him as gone. I am going to miss him so, as we all will.

He is still with us. In the wind that blows in our faces on a crisp fall morning, that fresh alive feeling..that is my Dad.

We will never forget him.

He is there in all of our hearts, with us all forever.

        I love you, Daddy.