Richard J. Arant

Mr. Richard J. Arant, age 81, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, November 12, 2025. Funeral services will be 3:00 PM Saturday, November 15, 2025 at Bethlehem Baptist Church Family Life Center by Reverend Josh Black and Reverend Don Rhyne with burial to follow in the church cemetery. The family will greet friends from 2:00 – 3:00 PM Saturday, prior to the service in the church family life center.

Born on December 19, 1943, in Monroe, NC, Mr. Arant was the son of the late John and Lola Killough Arant. He was a graduate of Pageland High School and dedicated over 12 years of service in the South Carolina Army National Guard. In 1973, he established the Pageland Machine Shop, followed by the beginning of Pageland Welding and Fabrication in 1975 that he operated until his retirement.

Mr. Arant was a faithful member of Bethlehem Baptist Church, where he served as a Deacon and was a former Sunday School teacher. His greatest joy came from his family, who affectionately called him “Pop.”

He was preceded in death by his son, Gregory “Greg” Richard Arant, and two brothers, Larry Arant and Cecil “Bob” Arant.

Mr. Arant is survived by his loving wife of nearly 60 years, Lynda Arant; his daughters Kristal (Byron) Crawford of Pageland, SC, and Ame (Brandon) Smith of Stanfield, NC; and daughter-in-law Monica Arant of Pageland, SC. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren: Mason Arant, McKensie Arant, Kylie (Joseph) Rollings, Brayden Crawford, Maverick Smith, and Madelyn Smith, as well as his great-granddaughter, Joanna Rollings. Additionally, he is survived by his brothers Bill (Peggy) Arant, Gary (Kaye) Arant, and Perry (Sherry) Arant, all of Monroe, NC, his sister Yvonne (Ronnie) Miles of Monroe, NC, and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Building Fund at Bethlehem Baptist Church, 5732 Peach Orchard Road, Pageland, SC 29728.

Miller-Rivers-Caulder Funeral Home (www.mrcfuneralhome.com) of Chesterfield, SC is serving the Arant family.