Orville Ray Arms, a cherished member of the Charlotte, Arkansas community, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by family on December 6, 2024, at the age of 91. Born on August 3, 1933, in Charlotte, Arkansas he was the beloved son of the late Walter and Edith Arms.
Orville was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He was a devoted Christian and was a long-standing member of the Charlotte Church of Christ where he found a loving church family. Orville was known for his quick wit and mischievous smile, he never met a stranger. He was known affectionately as “Coach Arms” around the community.
He is survived by his children, Debbie Stanley (Dean) of Judsonia and Kevin Arms (Denise) of Charlotte; grandchildren Bella Arms, Ben Stanley, and Allison Simmons (Baron); and great-grandchildren Emerson Simmons, Baron Simmons Jr., Sloan Simmons, Mckenly Clark, Harper Stanley, and Cali Stanley. He is also survived by his sisters, Shirley Ward and Peggy Melton. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 71 years, Mary, his sister, Dorothy Shaw, and his granddaughter, Ashley Beth Stanley.
Orville graduated from Charlotte High School in 1951, where he excelled in basketball and once scored 40 points during a game. He married his childhood sweetheart and the love of his life, Mary Lou, on October 26, 1951. Orville valued education and hard work. He began working as early as 8 years old picking cotton. Orville was honored to serve in the United States Army before earning his undergraduate degree from Arkansas College (Lyon) and Masters degree in Education from ASU Jonesboro. He spent over 30 years coaching basketball, baseball, and softball at Strawberry & Cord-Charlotte and served as Director of the Independence County Board of Education. He also owned Arms Grocery & Post Office for 20 years. Even in retirement, Orville remained active, serving on the Charlotte Fire Department Board and as Justice of the Peace for District 5 for 24 years.
He cherished time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, sharing his love for the St. Louis Cardinals and the Cedar Ridge Timberwolves. Orville was an avid reader and enjoyed reading Westerns and the Democrat-Gazette from cover to cover.
He had a wonderful relationship with his three sisters, Dorothy Faye, Shirley Mae and Peggy Jaye. He enjoyed their warm phone conversations and they always lived within 10 miles of each other throughout their lives.
A funeral service to celebrate Orville’s life will be held on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at 2:00 pm at Charlotte Church of Christ in Charlotte, AR with a visitation from 1:00 pm until service time. Burial will follow at Center Grove Cemetery.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to Joyce Williams and the Arkansas Hospice staff for their compassionate care.
Orville will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
