Ernest Arthur

Sgt. Maj. Ernest William Arthur, USMC (retired), 87, passed away peacefully Friday, February 3, 2017. A native of Birmingham, he was born April 13, 1929. He was preceded in death by his parents, Grady and Nell Arthur; his brothers, Royal Merchant and Henry Edward Arthur. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Sarah Dedman Arthur; his son, Major Keith Arthur USMC (retired) (Allyson) of Marietta, GA; his daughter, Denise Arthur Howland of Birmingham; 4 cherished grandchildren, Patrick Arthur Howland (Jessica) of Pelham, Megan Kathryn Therrien (Josh) of Birmingham, Emily Elizabeth Arthur and Michael Thomas Arthur of Marietta, GA; and one great-granddaughter, Adalynn Grace Howland of Pelham. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Mrs. Emerson Arthur and much loved nieces and nephew. After graduating from high school in 1946, Sgt. Maj. Arthur enlisted in the Marines where he served for 40 years in both enlisted and commission ranks as well as active and reserve duty. He was a combat veteran of Korea and Vietnam as well as peacekeeping duties in Beirut. He was the last enlisted Marine on active duty who survived the breakout of the Chinese stronghold from the Chosin Reservoir in Korea, where he distinguished himself in the furious fighting and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal. After a long and celebrated career, he retired from the Marine Corps in 1987. Following his retirement, he returned home to Birmingham, where he was active in the Elks Lodge 79 as well as the American Legion Post 171. He was an avid gardener who also enjoyed bird watching. He also kept busy working as a security guard at ST. Vincent's Hospital in Birmingham before retiring a second time at the age of 80. He considered his greatest accomplishment to be his children and grandchildren and loved them dearly. The family would like to thank the staff of the Col. Robert L. Howard Veterans Home in Pell City, for the compassionate care he received while a resident for nearly 3 years due to declining health following a stroke in 2009. Viewing will be held Thursday, February 9, 2017 from 5-7:00pm. He will be buried with military honors at Jefferson Memorial in Trussville on February 10, 2017 at 2:00pm, Rev. Sally Allocca, East Lake United Methodist Church officiating.