ROCKINGHAM — David Arner Jr., 71, of Rockingham, died on Dec. 27, 2021 at Richmond County Hospice Haven.
David is survived by his wife, Trudy, of the home; son, David Arner III and wife Tracy of Rockingham; and granddaughter Katelynn Dee Arner of Rockingham.
David graduated from Rockingham High School, class of 1967. He graduated from Massey Technical School in Jacksonville, Florida, with a degree in Electronic Technology; graduated with an associate degree in Business Administration from Richmond Community College, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, Magna Cum Laude, from UNC-Pembroke in 1999.
In the late ’70s and early ’80s, David worked for Dickerson, Inc., Monroe. He then worked for Tom Carr at Highway Const., Inc., for 21 years as shop manager and also in asphalt plant maintenance. When Highway was purchased by APAC, Inc., David worked in Greensboro and Fayetteville in the environmental, health and safety division as well as working in the asphalt plant division. Up until his death, he worked for Tom Hudson and Ronnie Hudson (deceased) as asphalt plant manager for Hudson Paving and Grading, Inc.
As a faithful member of Northside Volunteer Fire Department, he helped serve the residents of the Northside district for years. For the past few years, he served as the president of the board. In December 2021, he retired from the board due to his declining health, but remained a fireman until his death. He truly loved the fire department and all it stands for, and had the utmost respect for each one of his fellow firefighters, his band of brothers. They do so much for so many and deserve much praise and glory for all they do. Each time a truck leaves the station, their lives are put in danger in order to serve and protect the community they serve.
A viewing opportunity for church family, fire department family and other friends, without family present, will be held on Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022, from noon until 4 p.m., and again on Monday, Jan. 3, 2022, from 10 a.m. until noon, at Watson-King Funeral Home in Rockingham. Other visitors are welcome to visit at the home on 116 W. Temple Ave., Rockingham.
A graveside service will be held on Monday, Jan. 3, 2022, 2 p.m. at Eastside Cemetery, with the Rev. Robert Carpenter officiating.
Honorary pallbearers will be members of Northside Volunteer Fire Department.
