Filmore Arch "Fil" Argenbright

Filmore (Fil) Arch Argenbright, of 1125 Jefferson Avenue, Waynesboro, died Wednesday, September 3, 2014 at Summit Square. He was born December 29, 1927, in Waynesboro, the son of the late Arch B. and Mary Agnes Balsley Argenbright. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Waynesboro. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a loving son and companion, Robert Wilson Argenbright, on January 24, 1999.

Mr. Argenbright is survived by his wife, Margaret Pratt Argenbright; one son, Dr. Robert Thomas Argenbright and his wife, Dr. Patricia Kerig Argenbright of Salt Lake City, UT; one daughter, Catherine Ann Argenbright Elrod and her husband, Michael Elrod of Holly Hill, SC; his granddaughter, Amanda Kathleen Elrod Lindekugel and husband, Karl Lindekugel, IV of Tyler, TX; a cousin, Michael Balsley and wife, Brenda of Staunton, VA. Additionally, he is survived by his sister-in-law, Mary Pratt Davis, widow of H.B. (Buddy) Davis, Jr.; two nieces, Donna D. Davis and husband, Michael of Waynesboro and Debbie P. Gamble and husband, John of Roanoke, VA; as well as great nieces and nephews.

Mr. Argenbright graduated from Waynesboro High School in 1944. He attended Virginia Polytechnic Institute prior to serving in World War II. During the war, he served in the United States Army, with the 1176 Combat Engineers, in the Pacific Theater. After the war, he graduated from Richmond Polytechnic Institute. With Mr. Argenbright’s passing, our nation has lost another member of the “Greatest Generation”. He has joined the ranks of those who passed before him who fought so bravely to preserve the freedoms that all Americans enjoy.

He was a licensed Professional Engineer. During his career he was employed as an Industrial Engineering Supervisor at Crompton-Shenandoah, and he retired after 30 years of service as a Senior Manufacturing Engineer from General Electric and Genicom.

Following his retirement, Mr. Argenbright was active in photography, picture framing, and regional art shows. He was a past President of the Waynesboro Jaycees, where he was a leader in the establishment of the Ridgeview Park and many other civic projects. He was a lifetime member of the Virginia Jaycees.

After 20 years of service, Mr. Argenbright retired from the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary. During his service, he held various positions, including Division Captain.

A longtime member of the First Valley Rangers, NSSA, he enjoyed competition shooting with muzzle loading weapons. He was also one of the first bow hunters in the State of Virginia. He worked to establish an official bow hunting season in the state and participated in the early seasonal hunts. He won the Augusta Archers and Virginia State big game awards.

A funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 6, 2014 at the Waynesboro Chapel of Reynolds Hamrick Funeral Homes, with the Rev. Betty Dax officiating. Burial will follow in Riverview Cemetery with military honors provided by the American Legion Post 340.

Active pallbearers will be Michael Elrod, Michael Balsley, Keith Hewitt and Karl Lindekugal IV.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, September 5, 2014 at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be sent to Summit Square Fellowship Fund, 501 Oak Avenue, Waynesboro, VA 22980. The family sincerely appreciates the loving care given to “Fil” by the Summit Square Nursing and Administration staff.

Relatives and friends may share condolences and memories with the family online by visiting www.reynoldshamrickfuneralhomes.com