Ray Arp Sr.

CW3 Ray Arp, Sr. (U.S. Army Retired), 70, went to be with our Lord on Monday, August 25, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer's disease. He passed away peacefully at his home in New Kent, Virginia, surrounded by his family. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, and a proud grandfather whose life was defined by service, loyalty, and love for his family.

Ray was the oldest of six children, born on October 4, 1954, to Charles and Evelyn Hutcherson Arp in Sandwich, Illinois. Despite growing up in poverty in Dayton, Ohio, he developed resiliency and determination that would guide him toward a brighter future. Upon graduating from Stivers High School in 1973, he enlisted in the Army, forging his own path to a better life.

Ray dedicated much of his life to serving his country, dedicating 20 years of active duty service to the U.S. Army as a Criminal Investigation Division (CID) Special Agent. His career took him to various parts of the world, domestically and abroad, including a year-long tour in the Middle East during Desert Storm. Ray held a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration and a Masters of Science in Administration (MSA). After retiring from the US Army, he was employed by the Commonwealth of Virginia for 10 years, where he served in management, analysis and administrative positions. Ray then returned to the Federal government as a Senior Criminal Investigator with the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General Investigative Oversight Directorate, where he worked on a number of high profile investigations, including the death of Corporal Patrick Tillman and leadership failures in the investigation and reporting of sexual assaults at the U.S. Air Force Academy. Ray’s commitment to advocating for others continued as a civilian CID Agent in the Special Victims Unit at Fort Lee, Virginia until his retirement in 2016. He was awarded both the Bronze Star and the Meritorious Civilian Service Award, leaving behind an honorable and impactful legacy of service, integrity and compassion.

Beyond his professional achievements, Ray's greatest joy in life was his family. He shared 45 beautiful years of marriage with his wife, Kim, filled with laughter, devotion, and countless cherished memories as they raised their three children together. Affectionately known as "Pops," he was a patient, wise, and supportive father to Raymond, Suzann, and Jan. Over time, he also became a proud Papa to five grandchildren, who will never forget his kindness, gentle spirit, corny humor and silly dances.

Ray appreciated life's simple pleasures in retirement, finding contentment in yard work followed by a cold beer by the fire pit. For him, there was no greater pleasure than a quiet evening spent at home with the ones he loved. He found immense joy not in grand adventures, but in the small, beautiful moments of daily life within the walls of their cherished home. He was a dedicated teacher whose calm demeanor and unwavering guidance provided a strong foundation for his family. His infinite patience and gentle presence instilled confidence in those around him. As we remember him, we see how profoundly he impacted our lives. His steady hand and warm heart will be deeply missed but will remain forever in our memories.

Ray is survived by his devoted wife, Kim; his adoring daughters and their spouses, Suzann Turner Messick (Craig) of Hampton and Jan Cantu-Stickney (Stacy) of Fredericksburg; and his beloved grandchildren, Megan, Marisa, Mina, Josh, and Addison. He also leaves behind a sister, Deborah Arp of Dayton, OH.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Evelyn; four brothers, David, Michael, George and Charles; his son, Raymond Turner; and Raymond’s wife, Elizabeth Turner.

A service to celebrate Ray’s life will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 2551 N. Armistead Ave in Hampton, Virginia.

Visitation at 10:30 AM with a Celebration of Life to take place at 11:30 AM. The family will hold a private inurnment afterwards in the memorial park where Ray will be laid to rest with military honors.

*As we celebrate the life of Ray, we encourage a more relaxed dress code and request that attendees not wear black.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that you consider making a donation to one of the following organizations. Pops often shared stories about how the Salvation Army supported his family during his childhood, and we know it meant a great deal to him.

https://give.salvationarmyusa.org/campaign/676125/donate

https://www.alz.org/