Henry Arthur Townsend

Henry Arthur Townsend

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Henry Arthur Townsend on Sunday, June 15.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, June 23, in the chapel of McLaurin Funeral Home, 12830 Clayton Boulevard, Clayton, North Carolina with Pastor John Musgrave officiating. A graveside service of committal will be held at 2 p.m. Monday at the Bladen Union Baptist Church at 2224 Bladen Union Church Road, Fayetteville, North Carolina.

Arthur was born in Robeson County, North Carolionaq, to Lester and Agnes Carroll Townsend. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Shirley Davis Townsend, brothers Lester, Fred and Neil Townsend, and grandson, Michael Wayne Townsend.

He was raised in a farming family and joined the Navy after high school where he served for four years. After the Navy, he was employed by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission where he was a law enforcement officer and pilot. He was devoted to protecting wildlife and nature in North Carolina.

Arthur had a great love for the game of golf, blue birds, flying, hunting, University of North Carolina, his many friends, large family and his enduring relationship with God.

He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Marion Owen Townsend, children Arthur Wayne Townsend (Kim) of Garner, Michael Keith Townsend (Lori) of Lillington, Maria Townsend (Bill) of Stella, Mary Lynne Blanton (John) of Bear Creek, brothers Carroll Townsend of Red Springs, James Townsend of Ash, and sister Emma Davis of Orrum, as well as 11 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.mclaurinatpinecrest.com.

Memorials may be made in his memory to St. Jude's Children Hospital.

McLaurin Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the Townsend Family.