WILLIAM ARTHUR

ARTHUR--William.

William ("Bill") Robert Arthur passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, December 1, 2015 in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. He was 82 years old. Bill was born on July 27, 1933 in Ironton, OH and was raised in Ft. Thomas, KY. He was the only child of Daisy and Robert D. Arthur. He graduated from Highlands High School in 1951 where he lettered in football, basketball and baseball. He graduated from Duke University in 1955 with a degree in economics. While at Duke he was on a ROTC scholarship and was an active member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon ("SAE") Fraternity. Upon graduating from Duke, he served in the military in the Army Counter Intelligence Corps. After his military service, Bill had a long and distinguished career with Merrill Lynch, Inc. lasting over 30 years. Starting as a stockbroker in Washington DC, he earned promotions into management (Columbus, OH and NYC) and ultimately achieved the position of Chairman of Merrill Lynch International. As Chairman of Merrill Lynch International, Bill traveled extensively and played a strong leadership role in Merrill's worldwide growth and expansion, especially in Southeast Asia and China. During this time Bill and his family resided in Summit, NJ and subsequently relocated to Hong Kong for five years. In 1989, Bill retired to the Country Club of North Carolina in Pinehurst, NC and in 2006, he relocated to Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Bill was a passionate golfer and was an active member of the Baltusrol Golf Club in New Jersey. He loved to travel with his family and go on golfing trips with good friends. He especially loved playing Pebble Beach in California. He was a big fan of Duke University's Football and Basketball teams as well as the Washington Redskins team. He loved art and a variety of great music-- especially Emmy Lou Harris and Jazz. He was a history buff and an avid reader. He was incredibly well read and current on international and domestic affairs and business. His mind was sharp and curious, and his heart was generous. He will be greatly missed by his many friends and family. He is predeceased by his former wife, Marilyn Mayberry Arthur, who passed away on November 11, 2014. He is survived by his daughter, Alice Lorraine-Lori (Tom Stroud), his son, David (Jennifer Mee Arthur) and his only grandchild, Edward William Arthur-Ted. Contributions in Bill Arthur's memory may be made to the Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University, 2001 Campus Drive, Durham, NC 27705, 919-668-4063. https://www.gifts.duke.edu/nasher_gift