Lloyd "Buck" Frederick Arthur Sr.

Lloyd Fredrick Arthur, known to so many as "Buck," passed away peacefully of natural causes on June 16, 2026, at the age of 93, at the Lake City, Florida VA. He was a man who lived a full and remarkable life, one built on hard work, quiet strength, and a deep love for the people around him.

Buck was born on October 27, 1932, in New Bern, North Carolina, where he spent his early years before answering the call to serve his country. At just eighteen years old, he enlisted in the United States Army, beginning a sixteen-year career that carried him from the front lines of war to Germany and duty stations across the United States. When he finally hung up his uniform, he chose Beaufort, South Carolina, where he co-owned a mechanic shop. He then began managing a tomato packing warehouse, which led him to Wauchula, Florida. After settling there, he met the love of his life, Frances Marie, and the two shared fifty-two wonderful years together with their blended family.

Buck was never a man to sit still for long. In those early Florida years, he managed tomato and vegetable packing warehouses before eventually making his way to Lake City, where he would live the rest of his days. He built a career as a mechanic with Oser Leasing, bringing the same discipline and dedication he had learned in the Army to everything he touched. Perhaps nothing made him prouder than building the family homestead from the ground up with his own hands, with some help along the way, including from his grandson Ricky, whom he raised as his own son and who learned much of his trade under Buck's patient guidance.

When he wasn't working, Buck was a man of many passions. He loved refurbishing Volkswagens and took enormous pride in restoring a 1957 Chevy truck and a 1937 Chevy car. He was an avid treasure hunter, combing beaches and historic sites with his metal detector. He loved woodworking and building things with his hands. But fishing and golf held a special place in his heart, and some of his happiest times were spent on the water or on the course with his son-in-law, Nick, and his grandson Ricky. Throughout the years, he and his family shared countless adventures that created memories to last a lifetime.

Buck was a quiet man, but he could light up a room when the moment was right. He loved a good joke, never turned down a good meal, and was always the first to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed one. After the passing of his beloved Frances, he found companionship with a special lady friend, Virginia, and together they enjoyed fishing trips, dinners out, and quiet evenings watching television.

Buck was preceded in death by his wife, Frances Marie Arthur; his sons, Jimmy Bell and Lloyd Fredrick Arthur Jr.; his grandson, William Smith; his parents, Lloyd Thomas Arthur and Esther Bell Tripp Arthur; and his sister, Joyce Leary.

Buck is survived by his daughter, Marie McCormick (James); his son, Lester Smith (Sharon); his son, George Arthur (Trudy); and his daughter, Della Bishop (Nick). He is also survived by several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all of whom he cherished.

His church home at Providence Village Baptist Church meant the world to him, and he cherished his Sunday School class dearly, outliving nearly all of his classmates except Mr. Lester and Ms. Ilene. Buck loved his God with his whole heart, and he loved the life he was given. As the Scripture he held so close reminds us, from Psalm 23:4, "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me."

A graveside service will be held on Friday, June 27, at 11:00 a.m. at Evergreen Cemetery in Jasper, Florida. The service will be officiated by Harry T. Reid Funeral Home. For more information, please call 386-792-2669.

Buck had some great years. He lived a full life. He loved his God, he loved his people, and he loved life. That says it all.