MERIDIAN —     Services for Rev. Norman C. Arthur will be Friday at 1 p.m. at Westwood Baptist Church with Rev. Richie Davis officiating. Burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery in Rose Hill with James F. Webb Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.

    Rev. Arthur, 88, of Meridian, died Saturday, Sept. 4, 2010, at his residence. He was an ordained Baptist minister who pastured over 45 years in and around the Meridian area. He loved Jesus, loved his family and was a strong Christian who led many people to the Lord. Since retiring from ministry he was a member of Westwood Baptist Church. He retired from the City of Meridian after 24 years of service and served in the US Navy during World War II. He was an avid hunter enjoying many hours outdoors with his grandsons, teaching them hunting skills as well as conservation. He believed in giving back to the land and his community.

    He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Opal Moulds Arthur; three daughters, Helen A Collins of Meridian, Norma Sue Allen and husband George of Panama City, Fla., and Betty L. Rucker and husband Dewayne of Collinsville; eight grandchildren, Lowell C. Martin, Lynette Martin, Mia Northcutt and husband Robert all of Meridian, Daye Calhoun and husband Bill, Bethanie Price and husband David all from Jacksonville, Fla., Brittany Auclair and husband Jonathan of Tallahassee, Fla., J. Lamone Taylor and wife Angela, and Adam W. Taylor and wife Tiffany all of Holiday, Fla.; 15 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson; one brother, Rev. Noel E. Arthur and wife Yvonne; sister Bernice Thaxton all of Willis, Texas; two brother in laws, Paul Moulds and wife Mary, and Rev. Joseph Moulds of Rose Hill; and, numerous nieces and nephews.

    He was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd J. Arthur and Bessie Carter Arthur; a brother, Cecil Arthur and brother in law, Coolidge Thaxton.

    Visitation will be Thursday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Webb Funeral Home in Meridian.