William Kenneth "Ken" McArthur Sr.

CHARLOTTE – William Kenneth (Ken) McArthur, Sr. passed away November 7, 2025, at the age of 90. Ken was born August 28, 1935, in Temple, Texas to William Daniel and Lucille Maxfield McArthur and spent his early childhood years in Greenville, NC. Ken had one brother, Major Donald Lee McArthur, USAF retired residing in Valdosta, Georgia. Ken graduated from Greenville High School and served in the Navy as a Hospital Corpsman from April 1953 until May 1961 which included active duty and reserve time.

Ken married his high school sweetheart, Doris Jean Waters in January of 1954. After serving in the Navy he graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a BA degree.

Ken's first job was with E.I. DuPont of Kinston, NC. After graduation from University, Ken was employed by SmithKline and French Pharmaceuticals until his retirement in 1998.

Ken had a keen interest in giving back to his community in several ways. He spent 30 years as a volunteer with the Boy Scouts of America. His final position with the BSA was as President of the Tuscarora Council, BSA with headquarters in Goldsboro. Ken was proud of his Woodbadge Training and served 9 courses on the Staff, two of which he was the Director. He also was an Ambassador for the Rail Division of the North Carolina Department of Transportation where he rode Amtrak for two years, and then as a volunteer with the Charlotte Douglas International Airport first as an airport volunteer and then as a Pastoral Chaplain. From there he spent many years with the Wachovia Championship Golf Tournament, which eventually became the Wells Fargo Golf Tournament. At the same time, he volunteered at the Billy Graham Library and eventually became a member of the Staff of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association spending several years with the Guest Services Department.

Ken loved playing golf with his friends at Charlotte National Golf Club and at several other golf courses throughout Mecklenburg County and surrounding counties.

Ken and family came to Charlotte as members of the Episcopal Church and immediately joined the Episcopal Church of the Holy Comforter, soon to be certified and commissioned as a Fellow in the Vergers' Guild of the Episcopal Church. He and Doris later decided to return to their roots in the United Methodist Church and became members of the Providence United Methodist Church, eventually serving as President of the Chrisian Home Class.

Ken was very keen about his Scottish ancestry and was instrumental in helping to bring to life the Loch Norman Highland Games in Huntersville. Later Ken was commissioned as the High Commissioner for Clan MacArthur, USA and eventually was the first to be named the Lieutenant to the MacArthur Chief of Scotland. He later served as Chair of the Membership Committee of the St. Andrews Society of North Carolina, headquartered in Pinehurst, NC.

Ken is pre-deceased by his loving wife of 68 years, Doris Jean Waters McArthur. He is survived by four children, several grandchildren, and a great grandchild. His children are first born Cheryl Lynn Mrozek Todd and husband David Todd, Sandra Ann Perry, William Kenneth McArthur, Jr., and John Daniel McArthur and wife Sage Litaker McArthur. His grandchildren are Mary McArthur Phillips and great grandson Thomas McArthur Phillips, Chrisanne Jean Mrozek, Hatley McArthur Pettengill and husband Andrew Pettengill, and Lawson Daniel McArthur and wife Sydney Ann McArthur. He also leaves behind his brother Donald Lee McArthur and wife Sara McArthur, and his nephews Donald Lee McArthur, Jr. and David Carlyle McArthur.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, November 24, 2025, at Providence United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Billy Graham Library (BGEA), 4350 Westmont Drive, Charlotte, 28217, or Providence United Methodist Church, 2810 Providence Rd., Charlotte, NC 28211.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.