Jack Arledge

Jack Edd Arledge, age 87, died peacefully September 13, 2018, in Abilene. Jack married the love of his life, Patsy Ruth Arledge (Wallace) in 1963. They raised their children and had many adventures, and were true soul mates for 55 years. Jack touched many with his warm, generous, and loving heart. He never met a stranger, he loved to make people laugh, and he was loved by so many.

Jack was born on October 9, 1930 in Stamford, Texas to Roy Wade Arledge and Lois Lee Arledge. In his youth, Jack was an Eagle Scout, and a member of the Order of the Arrow. He went to Tarleton State University, and then joined the Air Force during the Korean War, serving in Iceland and in Alaska. After his honorable discharge from service, he found his love of cars, opening his first Ford dealership in Roscoe, Texas. He subsequently had dealerships in in Knox City, Port Arthur, Texarkana, Odessa and San Angelo. Jack had a long and successful career in the car business, and loved every minute of it. He leaves so many who worked with him and laughed with him and loved him.

Jack was a pilot, like his father, and flew for 50 years. He picked up and dropped off his children, flew his family on vacations, and left them with many fun and funny stories to tell. Jack had a ranch that had been in his family since 1906, and he spent as much time there as he could, raising a few cattle and enjoying ranching. He and Pat and their children spent holidays and many other memorable weekends at the ranch, laughing and cooking steaks and enjoying each other's company. Jack's father's siblings started an annual family reunion in 1958 called The Hunt at this ranch, held on the first weekend of deer season. The Hunt reunion includes all of the offspring of those five siblings. It is a big family crowd, and there is much love shared at these gatherings. Jack will be missed by the Arledge clan.

Jack was a Christian, and a member of the Church of Christ, and he loved the Lord. He seriously believed in the power of positive thinking, and lived by it. He was a happy man who felt blessed every day. Jack was a loving husband, and father, and we will miss him, but we know he is in a better place.

Jack is survived by his wife Pat, four children, Roger Webb (Melissa), Wade Arledge, Jane Arledge, and Larry Arledge (Rhonda), four grandchildren, Jeff Webb, Greg Webb (Roseann), Lindsey Haire (Eric), and Katie Harper (Jay), as well as five great granddaughters, Reagan, Kate, and Lillie Webb, and Emma and Paisley Haire. He is also survived by his brother Jimmie Arledge, and his sisters-in-law Pat Arledge, Fonda Mayo (Buddy) and Betty Polk, many nieces and nephews, and many loving family friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother-in-law Don Crawford, his sister-in-law Carolyn Reeves, and his brothers-in-law Jerry Polk and Lloyd Reeves.

Special thanks to Marsha Royse for her incredible assistance, and her loving care of Papa-san and the rest of us. Bless you, Marsha. Thanks also to Jim Royse, the Visiting Angels, especially Donna Sanchez and Teresa with Kindred Hospice, and Heather along with the staff at Silver Spring for their gentle care and compassion.

A celebration of his life will be, at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday September 15, at Oldham Lane Church of Christ, 5049 Oldham Lane, Abilene Texas, with Chris McCurley officiating, with a reception to follow at the Oldham Lane Church of Christ. Pallbearers will be Jeff Webb, Greg Webb, Eric Haire, Jay Harper, Jim Royse, and Brad Taylor. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the charity of choice.

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