Lander Blair "Andy" Arthurs

LANDER BLAIR "ANDY" ARTHURS

Andy Arthurs, 79, died on Saturday, August 8th, 2009 at Cypress Pointe Rehab and Healthcare, after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer's disease. He passed away peacefully and has gone to join his brothers and sisters who have passed before him. Somewhere in heaven there's a party going on this week.

He was born on March 2nd, 1930, during a late blizzard in Gaston County, North Carolina, the son of the late Hope and Nancy Arthurs. Andy was the third of nine children in the Arthurs' family. He was preceded in death by his sisters Nancy Fox and Jo Ann U'ren and his brothers Johnny, Jim, Mike and Floyd.

Mr. Arthurs served in the United States Marine Corp during World War II. He was in the Pacific Theater serving with VMF-218 on Guam and later in China. He was proud of his service and was always quick to throw in a "Semper Fi" or "Once a Marine, always a Marine" whenever needed. His stories from the war and life in the Marine Corps were a source of many hours of entertainment to his children, grandchildren and friends.

After returning from the war, Andy spent years helping to take care of his mother and younger siblings. He worked in the insulation business and traveled the southeast following the insulating jobs available. During the 1950's he worked on the de-salinization plant at Wrightsville Beach and fell in love with the beach and the ocean.

Andy moved to Wrightsville Beach in 1970 with his family and started L.B. Arthurs Insurance Agency. Throughout the 70's and 80's he could be seen fishing for spots in the Intracoastal or flounder in Masonboro Inlet or trolling for King's off the boxcars. In his later years he rekindled a passion for golf and, until his disease prevented it, could be seen at Muni, Duck Haven or Old Fort chasing bogies and pars. He played many rounds with his good friends on the "Crow-bear Tour." Andy was an accomplished musician who had mastered the guitar, dobro, banjo and harmonica and if you were around the Arthurs' house on a Saturday night you'd hear him singing and playing. Throughout most of the 80's you could find him playing shuffleboard on Friday nights down at Kefi's, coaching the younger players with tips like "Don't be scared of the end, son!" or "We've got 'm blocked out now!"

Andy was a gregarious man with many friends and eccentricities. He was known by many nicknames: Andy or L.B. to most people, "The Old Irishman" to his son's college buddies, "Pops" to his son and grandchildren and "The Colonel" to his drinking, golfing and shuffleboard buddies down at Kefi's. He was an avid fan of the N.C. State Wolfpack, NASCAR racing and PGA Golf. Often wrong, but never in doubt, he would give you his last dollar if you needed it. He was the most generous person you'd ever meet.

Mr. Arthurs was always a kind and caring father. He never missed a football game, he was never too busy to go fishing, throw the baseball or sneak off for 18 holes of golf. All he asked in return was to get him a beer every now and then or listen to him play the guitar.

He is survived by his wife, Hazel Purser Arthurs of Gastonia, his son and daughter-in-law Brandon Blair and Michelle Smith Arthurs of Wilmington, his sisters Jean Champion of Gastonia and Betty Bettex of Greenville, SC, grand-daughters Grayson and Delaney Arthurs of Wilmington and numerous nieces and nephews.

A graveside funeral service will be held on at 11AM, Thursday, August 13th at Oleander Memorial Gardens.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the Romano Family and the entire wonderful staff at Sherwood Manor, Dr. Mary Rudyk and staff, and the entire staff at Cypress Pointe Rehab and Healthcare. They have treated Mr. Arthurs with respect, kindness and patience during a very difficult time in his life.

In lieu of flowers, raise a toast to the Colonel and play a round of golf with your friends or go fishing with your children, or make a donation in his name to: Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601-7633; tel: 312.335.870; www.alz.org



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