Joseph Arrington Obituary in Richmond at Scotts Funeral Home

Obituary For Joseph Arrington

Joseph Arrington was born March 23, 1944 in Edgecombe County, North Carolina to Stella M. Ward and the late Warren Harding Arrington. He quietly departed this life on Monday, April 13, 2020. In 1951, Warren and Stella moved to Richmond, Virginia where Joseph attended the public school at Benjamin Graves Elementary and Maggie L. Walker High School. It was Benjamin Graves Elementary where he met the love of his life Hilda Lee Smith. After graduating high school in 1962, Joseph attended Virginia State University as a Mathematics major and on January 2, 1965 he married Hilda Lee Smith (pre-deceased). To this union two daughters were born, Anita Kristine and Alicia Kathleen. Joseph was a devoted and dedicated worker for the U.S. Postal Service for 35 years and in 1999 he retired as Postmaster from USPS and returned to college to earn a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Independent Studies from Virginia Commonwealth University. He was so proud to share an alma mater with his two girls. In 2008, he started a part-time position with the VA ABC stores and eventually became the assistant manager for several locations within the Richmond/Petersburg area. He worked for VA ABC until a few weeks prior to his death. Joseph loved the water and like to spend his free time on his boat, steaming crabs, frying fish and swimming with his daughters. Joe and his girls spent most summer evenings at the West End’s Randolph pool until closing preparing his girls for area swim competitions. He also loved music and was a Richmond Jazz Society member/supporter for many years. He loved the sounds of Miles Davis and John Coltrane. Joseph Arrington never met a stranger and loved his cousins. As an only child to Stella and Warren, his 1st cousins were his siblings and he spent most summers in North Carolina or Washington D.C. He loved to share memories of playing basketball with his cousin Larry(a.k.a Pistol) and taking the train alone to D.C. to spend the summer with the Arrington’s and Dempsey’s. Joseph was a loving, husband, father, son, brother-in-law, cousin, uncle and friend. He leaves to cherish his memory, his mother Stella and two daughters and a son-in-law, Anita A. Corbin (Eric) and Alicia K. Arrington. He also leaves to mourn an aunt in New York Louise Staunton (Irving), Catherine Arrington of New Jersey, Irma Arrington Hall (Donald pre-deceased) of Maryland, nieces Brianne Pryor, Jennifer Tyler, Johnna Jackson, nephew William Tyler Jr. and a host of loving cousins, classmates and friends. Private graveside services will be held 3 p.m. Friday at Forest Lawn Cemetery. Rev. Michael Jones, officiating. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Scott's Funeral Home.

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Anita and Alicia, my deepest sympathies go out to you and your family. May God grant you the strength, peace, and comfort you seek. Sincerely, Renee Thompson

Sorry to hear about Joseph, he will be truly missed, we graduated together from Maggie Walker High School in 1962. Just remember that, he is not dead, he is just away, because his memories will always remain in your heart. Trust in the Lord and He will bring you through this difficult time. Rosena Johnson Tiller

Sorry to hear about Joseph, we attended school together and graduated together in the Class of 1962 from Maggie l walker. He was a likable person and nice to be around. Remember, he is not dead, he is just away, because his memories will always remain in your heart. God will bring you through this difficult time, just trust in Him.

My deepest sympathy to Joe's family. I was blessed to know Joe snd Hilda through the USPS. Joe and I where neighboring Postmasters. He was a gentleman and always a professional. I was so lucky to have known him and had opportunities to spend time with him. May you cherish your memories of him, as I will. Mary Harrison-Jones, USPS Retired

Condolences to my Aunt Stella, Anita and Alicia on the loss of Joe. He is greatly missed. Leroy Phillips.

My condolences to the family of Joe Arrington. He was not just a co-worker at the USPS, he was also a friend to many. May the many memories you have of your time with him sustain you in the days ahead. Carl Page, USPS Retired

Rest easy uncle Joe tell my mom (Sandra) I said hello. Anita & Alicia we are here if you need anything. Prayers UP

Our deepest condolences to the family. God bless, he will be missed. Pm45

Joe was absolutely AMAZING! His smile and laugh are embedded in my memory. Love you cuz! ~Angel Whitehead

My deepest sympathy to Joe's family and friends. I have so many fond memories of working with Hilda and getting to know Joe while working at the U. S. Postal Service. You are in my thoughts and prayers! Joan Stewart

I like to sent my condolences to the family. Joe was my first cousin I will miss him much Sylvester Arrington and family. God blessed.

I was saddened to hear that Joe had passed. It was my pleasure to know Joe Arrington as a fellow USPS employee of the Richmond District and a friend. Besides being an excellent Postmaster, who served the community of Hayes, VA, I considered him a friend as did many. It seems like every time we came across each other at meetings we'd talk fishing. He had a great smile and pleasant manner that made him a friend to all he met. My heart goes out to his family and close friends at this time. May your memories of this great man warm your heart in the years to come. Joe Rein, USPS retired

Words cannot express how much my cousin/brother will be missed. He was mine and Kenny's confidant and mentor. He was the one who always knew what to say and how to say it. Although my heart is broken, I know he is with Our Heavenly Father, Hilda, Uncle Warren, his Aunt Mattie, Uncle Sam and my beloved Kenny. Knowing that he's one of my Guardian Angels, makes my life so much brighter. I will love him and you Nita and Licia infinitely.
Renee and Kellie

It's so hard to believe my friend & brother Joe is no longer with us. Although it has been years since we've seen one another in person, we maintained a friendship through Facebook and even spoke on the phone. He and his beloved Hilda were among the first friends my husband, Rev. Dr. Bruce Beard and I had when we moved to Richmond in 1990, and they both were instrumental in helping me transfer to the USPS from Pittsburgh, which was no easy feat. We enjoyed the years we were in Richmond hanging out with the Arrington family and were accepted as part of the family at Thanksgiving when we weren't able to go home to Pittsburgh, enjoying Mom Arrington's delicious home cooking, among my favorites being her greens & that infamous Carrot Cake! Then there were the summers out on the boat, so much fun! Joe was a wonderful & kind person whom I/we will never forget. Mom, Anita & Alicia you are all in our prayers. May he Rest In The Master's Arms! Love & blessings, Bruce & Dena Beard

Anita, Alicia and family, keeping you in my thoughts at this sorrowful time. Ellen

I enjoyed worked with Mr. Joe and he was a joy to work with. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. Prayers to his family through This difficult time. Sincerely, Trish Mauviel ABC