of Charlotte, AR
August 3, 1933 - December 6, 2024
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 2:00pm at Charlotte Church of Christ in Charlotte, AR with a visitation from 1:00pm 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.
To order a DVD copy of this video memorial, please contact our funeral home at + 18707934161.
Sign Guestbook
19 Condolence(s)
Jimmy and Ladene Bray
Friday, December 13, 2024
Coach Arms was a wonderful, Christian man and friend. He will be missed by all who knew him. Prayers of comfort and peace for his family.
George Snelgrove
Thursday, December 12, 2024
Orville and I have been great friends for many years thru college and coaching. He was a wonderful man and friend. He came to see me just few weeks ago and we had such a good visit. We re-played a lot of ballgames and told some good stories that day. I will miss him. My prayers are with his family.
Mandy and Vicki EVANS
Thursday, December 12, 2024
MR Couch Arm, he was a very good favor , teacher and person . he will be true miss. by all. he help others in need , bright up your day. when you need his help he was a good listener , a good friend too all. and a good couch. true friends and Students. Mandy Evans class of 94 and Vicki Robbins Evans
Clara Nell Reaves Crews
Wednesday, December 11, 2024
Memories give comfort in the days of darkness. I have known this family for many years. A special family that is receiving my prayers for peace and comfort. He was a good man that touched so many people thru the years and was a role model for so many young adults. He left a lasting impression which you should be honored to know the legacy for years to come to cherish.
Lesa Vaughn Watson
Wednesday, December 11, 2024
We are so sorry for your loss. He was a good man and will be missed by many. We are praying for you all. Lesa Watson and Edith Elms.
Robbie Lawrence
Tuesday, December 10, 2024
So sorry for your loss, may God bless all of the family with peace and comfort..
Louise Keene Hooper
Tuesday, December 10, 2024
So sorry to hear of your loss. I worked with him at Cord Charlotte School. He was a good colleague and a good friend. May God Bless you and comfort you.
Linda and Kenneth Tucker
Tuesday, December 10, 2024
Debbie were so sorry about your dad passing. It sounds like he had a good life,didn't know he was a coach. We are praying for you and your family.
Bobby and Connie Davis
Tuesday, December 10, 2024
I came to know Orville when he worked in the school supervisor office in the courthouse. It was a delight to know He and Mary. He was a great person and will be missed. Love and prayers. Bobby and Connie Davis
Scott and Jacqui McSpadden
Tuesday, December 10, 2024
Chewy and Dee,
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Love ya,
Scott and Jacqui
Alan Vickery
Monday, December 9, 2024
In our thoughts and prayers,
Phyllis, Alan, Paige, & Andrew Vickery
Tammy E Milligan
Monday, December 9, 2024
He was my favorite basketball coach ever and also my history teacher. He was always smiling and was such a great person. Thanks Coach for all the memories. Prayers for all of the family
Clifford Wright
Monday, December 9, 2024
Nita Felts
Monday, December 9, 2024
I loved Orville for his Christian faith, his love of education and his warm, happy smile. His family is very special to me.
Jimmy Harris
Monday, December 9, 2024
Thanks for being part of my life. As my coach at Strawberry and a friend for 60 plus years
Brenda Pollard Davidson
Monday, December 9, 2024
So sad to see this,,,,May God Bless all of you and comfort you in the days to come.
Ina Lee Henley
Monday, December 9, 2024
I have such fond memories of Orville coaching my boys...David was very small for his age and he being a lefty, Orville put him pitching against Newark at that time. He came home and told me that Coach Arms put him pitching against guys with mustaches...he also put Bryan catching against David's pitching. I thought there would be a BROTHER fight but Coach Arms handled it...
I know Coach Arms and David are talking about Cord Charlotte little league baseball...praying for your family...
Clifford Wright
Monday, December 9, 2024
So sorry he will be missed
Cindy Nelson
Monday, December 9, 2024
Bill and I are so very sorry for your loss.