Robert Earl Arrington

ROBERT EARL ARRINGTON, SR. departed this life in the early morning hours of Friday, April 8, 2022 at his residence in New Carrollton, Maryland. Preceding him in death were his parents, the late Frank and Mary Arrington, who introduced him to Christ at an early age, at the New Hope Baptist Church. Robert also had siblings who preceded him in death: his brothers Frank Jr., Lavern, King, and a stepbrother, Stanley King. Robert was born February 23, 1940 in Battleboro, North Carolina and grew up in the Drakes Community.

An avid collector of all things, Robert built a storehouse of memories from his childhood up until his departure from life. Known also affectionately as “Bob,” he proved even as a teenager to be quite the diligent hard working man, getting his driver’s license, driving his father’s car, and working his first job—driving the county school bus. He enjoyed sports, especially baseball and basketball. Notably, he played on his high school’s basketball team, “The Beavers.” He also enjoyed the traditionally action-based westerns, such as “Bonanza” and “Gunsmoke.” Robert also had a great love for cars and thoroughly enjoyed working in his yard.

Robert graduated from Swift Creek High School in Whitakers, North Carolina in 1959. He married his high school sweetheart, Shirley Ann Fox, in Holy Matrimony in 1967. To their blessed union was born a son, Robert, Jr.

Robert served in the United States Army for two years until 1965, when he received an honorable discharge. He would later move to the Washington, DC area, where he began his successful career with the Federal Government, working at the United States Bureau of Printing and Engraving. Robert’s extended carerer there totalled 43 years, with his retiring in 2008.

Robert leaves to cherish his memory, a devoted wife, Shirley Ann Arrington; a dutiful son, Robert Earl Arrington, Jr.; sister, Elsie A. Williams of Lanham, MD; brother, Kenneth Arrington (Elve) of Washington, DC; an aunt, Annie Hunt (Lloyd) of Seat Pleasant, MD; two sisters-in-law, Daisy G. Arrington of Washington, DC and Shirley B. Arrington of New Carrollton, MD; two brothers-in-law, Johnie Fox (Mary Jean), and Frederick Fox (Barbara); two sisters-in-law, Hazel Epps (Bernard) and Susie Fox, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.

Where there is hatred let me sow love;

Where there is injury, pardon;

Where there is doubt, faith;

Where there is despair, hope;

Where there is darkness, light;

Where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek

To be consoled as to console;

To be understood as to understand;

To be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive;

It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;

And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.