April 3, 1949 ~ June 30, 2024 (age 75) of Leland formally of Old Dock Community 
Arnold “Arnie” Simmons, 75, slipped the bonds of this earth and entered the arms of his Lord and Savior on Sunday, June 30, 2024. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edd and Marie Simmons. He is survived by his wife, Pamela, of 53 years and by their dear and precious friend, Dana Canfield of Cross Junction, VA and her family.
Arnold was a career Marine. He enlisted in the Corps in 1969 and was promoted from Gunnery Sergeant to Warrant Officer nine years later. Subsequently he was commissioned a First Lieutenant then retired as a Major in 1992. His Iwakuni, Japan tour introduced him to a love of all things oriental. While there, he taught conversational English to high schoolers and also developed an affinity for Japanese food.
Arnold was an avid cook. His specialty was Chinese cuisine. He loved entertaining at home and was known to take great delight in preparing Chinese meals for friends and family. One of his greatest pleasures was hosting an annual Halloween open house for the Old Dock trick-or-treaters and their families.
He was a member of Palmyra Missionary Baptist Church where he served as a sound technician. He was a Mason and served as Past Master of the Whiteville Lebanon Lodge 207.
His funeral service with full military honors will be held Saturday, July 6, 2024 at 2:00pm at Palmyra Baptist Church with the Rev. John Roberson officiating.
His family will receive friends one hour prior to his service at 1:00pm at the church.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to CurePSP or Palmyra Missionary Baptist Youth Fund.
His family would like to send a special thanks to Kateri, Raquel and Wendy of Lower Cape Fear Life Care.
Online condolences may be made at www.peacockfuneralhome.net
