Arnold A. Queen

United States Navy Lieutenant Arnold “Arnie” Allen Queen (Ret.) of Prosperity, South Carolina -- a devoted son, father, grandfather, brother, and veteran -- passed away on May 3, 2026 following a brief illness. He was 77.

Born May 18, 1948, in North Lima, Ohio, Arnie lived a life defined by service, love, and steadfast dedication to his family and country. Affectionately known by his family and friends as “Papa,” “Big Poppi,” “Buster,” and “the Big Kahuna,” Arnie brought laughter and warmth to those around him. As a father, he instilled in his children the importance of education, a strong work ethic, and a deep love of family, values that continue to guide them today.

Arnie graduated from North Lima High School and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Muskingum University. He later pursued graduate studies at the University of South Carolina.

Arnie proudly served his country as a naval aviator. During his service, he flew P-3 Orion anti-submarine aircraft and was honored with a “Best Pilot and Crew” award for the East Coast. He honorably retired in 1981. Following his military career, Arnie worked for many years as an executive pilot and made his home in the Irmo, Chapin, and Prosperity areas of South Carolina for the last 45 years.

In his youth, Arnie was a talented athlete who played football, baseball and basketball through high school. He also enjoyed water skiing. In later years, you could find him hunting with his son and brother. Above all, Arnie cherished time spent with his grandchildren, taking pride in supporting each of them in their pursuits and accomplishments.

He will be greatly missed and forever remembered.

Arnie was preceded in death by his mother, Annis Queen and his father, Chester R. Queen. He is survived by his three children, Matthew Allen Queen, Melinda “Mindy” Queen Taylor (Leroy), and Michael “Mickey” John Queen (Erin); his two brothers, Timothy Barnett-Queen (Laura), and Mark Queen (Paula); six beloved grandchildren, Tyson Taylor, Aidan Taylor, Marin Queen, Madelyne Queen, Sutton Queen, and Wesley Porter; and his former spouse and lifelong friend, Susan E. Queen.

A visitation will be held on Friday, May 8 at 1:00 p.m. at Macedonia Lutheran Church in Prosperity, SC. A funeral service will immediately follow at 2:00 p.m. Officiating will be Arnie’s son-in-law, Elder Leroy Taylor of Pine Grove Baptist Church. Following the service, the family will receive friends at Arnie’s residence. Burial will be held at a later date at Fort Jackson National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Arnie’s memory to the Chapin American Legion Post 193 Inc at P.O. Box 897, Chapin, SC 29036.