William "Bill" Edward Arthur

William Edward Arthur, age 88, passed away peacefully on March 3, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. Born in Dayton, Ohio, Bill (“Buddy” to some) attended Roosevelt High School before continuing his education at the General Motors Institute.

Bill was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and uncle who found his greatest joy in the people he loved. He shared a lifelong partnership with his beloved wife and high school sweetheart, Annabelle Arthur (née Smith), building a family grounded in love, humor, and steadfast support.

He is survived by his wife, Annabelle, and his two sons:

Paul Edward Arthur and his wife Carrie Arthur (VanArtsdalen), and Brian Joseph Arthur and his wife Hope Arthur (Douglas).

Bill was a proud grandfather to Alexis Goodwin and her husband Daniel Goodwin, and a delighted great-grandfather to Oliver and Mia Goodwin. His family remembers him as a constant source of encouragement, wisdom, and quiet strength.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Lee Arthur and Lillian Arthur (née Hughes), and by his brothers David Lee Arthur and Robert Joseph Arthur.

Bill was a proud graduate of the General Motors Institute, class of 1960, and went on to build a successful career with General Motors’ Inland Division before retiring after many years of dedicated service. Bill and Annabelle also shared a deep love of travel throughout their lives, enjoying countless adventures together, including many memorable cruises.

Bill also held a special place in his heart for the Dayton VA Center, where his family lived on site for much of his childhood while his father served as the center’s head machinist. Bill cherished those memories and even shared them in an interview with the site historian. He often encouraged others to visit, happily offering to serve as their personal tour guide. With his characteristic humor and warmth, Bill once said that if anyone wanted to talk with him after he was gone, they could find him in the VA Grotto.

Outside of his career, Bill pursued his passions with enthusiasm and creativity. For much of his life, he was an avid bowler and in the 1970s achieved a remarkable 290 single-game record score at Centerville Bowling Lanes—a record that stood for many years and remained a point of pride and friendly storytelling. He also loved music and spent countless hours playing his ukuleles and dulcimers. A skilled craftsman, he even built five dulcimers by hand as special gifts for members of his family.

Above all, Bill will be remembered as a loving family man whose warmth, humor, and steady presence touched everyone who knew him.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, March 10, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., followed immediately by a memorial service at 1:00 p.m. at Tobias Funeral Home, 5471 Far Hills Ave, Dayton OH 45429. Burial will follow at Mount Zion Park Cemetery in Beavercreek.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Bill’s memory to Hospice of Dayton, whose compassionate care meant so much to the family.

Condolences may be sent to www.tobiasfuneralhome.com