Mr. Arnold Lemon, the youngest son of the late Elkin and Edna Jamison Lemon entered this life on July 19, 1945, in Grover, South Carolina. He departed this life for a place of eternal rest surrounded by his loving wife and family at 11:30 a.m., Sunday, January 8, 2017, at Trident Medical Center of North Charleston, SC, following a brief illness.
Arnold was a 1964 graduate of Williams Memorial High School in St. George, SC. After high school, he was drafted on January 11, 1968 into the United States Armed Forces. While in the military, he served a tour of duty in Vietnam. He received many medals for outstanding services including: National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal w/5 Bronze Service Stars, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Sharpshooter M 14, and Combat Infantryman Badge. After courageously serving two years in the military, he was honorably discharged in 1970.
Arnold accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, and joined St. Luke United Methodist Church (which is presently New Grace United Methodist Church) at an early age and served faithfully in many capacities. On April 11, 1999, he joined St. Stephens United Methodist Church, Bowman, SC to serve and worship with his wife. He had a true servant's heart, and served untiringly as an usher alongside his wife. He was also extremely committed to and worked diligently with the United Methodist Men and Trustees. His most prestigious accomplishment at St. Stephens was serving as the Chairman of the Fellowship Hall Building Committee which was built in 2010.
Prior to his retirement, Arnold was a dedicated employee for the South Carolina Electric and Gas, Canady, SC for 24 years, where he worked as a Supply Clerk, ordering and distributing the supplies for the company.
Arnold met the love of his life, and was united in Holy Matrimony to the former Rosa Lois Cummings on July 22, 1972. He and his beloved wife were inseparable. When you saw one, you knew the other was nearby. They traveled, shopped, attended events, and worked cheerfully side by side in Church. They enjoyed 44 years of marital bliss, and the union was blessed with one son.
Arnold was very special… a kind-hearted, caring man who was devoted to his family. He was humble and full of wisdom. His family took comfort in knowing that his love was faithful and unconditional, and that they could rely on him. He was proud to be a father, and taught his son the requisite steps of being a good man. He loved and adored his grandchildren; they were the apples of his eye and brought great joy to his heart. Arnold was a selfless man, who eagerly served as a father figure to his nieces and nephews, and they often sought his wise counsel.
Arnold set high standards for his life. He was disciplined, and well-ordered. These qualities were clearly evident in the immaculate family home with manicured lawn. He also took good care of himself, always elegantly attired. Arnold was also an avid runner/walker…doing approximately 4 to 6 miles a day, rain or sunshine.
In his leisure time, Arnold enjoyed watching football and baseball games. On occasions, he and his beloved wife traveled to Charlotte, North Carolina to root for their favorite team, the Carolina Panthers. He was well-informed politically, at both the national and local levels. He followed the news closely, and enjoyed discussing current events with family members.
Arnold was loved by many, and will be sorely missed. His pleasant demeanor and willingness to help others endeared him to everyone he came in contact with. As a result, he was able to cultivate and maintain lifelong friendships, including those he served with during the 1968 Vietnam War. He genuinely felt close and connected to all of them, remembering very detailed information about their experiences in the Army. They have remained true friends even sending condolences after his demise.
Arnold will be missed physically, but his life and legacy of love, service, good works, and talents will always be remembered.
He was preceded in death by his three older brothers, Josh Lemon, Wilford Lemon and Larry Lemon.
Arnold leaves loving memories that will be cherished forever as his family celebrates his life: loving and devoted wife of 44 years, Rosa Lois Lemon, one devoted son, Lance (Monique Turner) Lemon, of Ruckersville, VA; two adorable grandchildren, Kenya and Lance Lemon, Jr. both of Ruckersville, VA; 3 brothers-in-law, devoted brothers-in-law, Mack Cummings, Jr. and Roosevelt Matthews; 6 sisters–in-law, special sister-in-law, Alma Matthews; two special nephews, Zellard Lemon of Corpus Christi, TX, and Eric Britt of Lawrenceville, GA. He is also survived by a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.