William Wayne Arthur

William Wayne Arthur – beloved brother, uncle, and son – died unexpectedly on June 4, 2022 in Auburn Alabama.  Born in Vero Beach, Florida on January 28, 1966, William spent his childhood moving around the Northeast with his family before settling down in Greensboro, North Carolina. He moved to Auburn in 1985, where he spent the remainder of his life.

William felt most at home with the familiar – he leaned in heavily to tradition and routine. From eating black eyed peas every New Year’s to visiting his brother-in-law’s grave every Tuesday, William loved his days to be steady and predictable. He also loved reminiscing on old times, and collecting memorabilia from his childhood.

William enjoyed the simple things in life – hot biscuits, an oversized t-shirt, Elton John concerts, home cooking, and spending time with animals. He shared a special bond with cats and dogs, and took great pride and joy in caring for them.

William preferred to keep to himself – his circle of people was tight, and he was fiercely loyal to those on the inside. He was also fiercely loyal to his teams. William was a tried-and-true fan of Auburn football and basketball, the Atlanta Braves, the Dallas Cowboys, and, most importantly, UNC Basketball. At games, his hoots and hollers were the loudest. Among the happiest days of his recent life was the day the UNC beat Duke this past year in the Final Four and the day of Auburn’s Kick Six defeat over Bama in 2013. The only thing he said more ardently than “Go Tar Heels” and “War Eagle” was “Uncle William loves you!” when saying goodbye to his nieces and nephew.

William had an endearing sense of humor. He could get the whole room rolling with laughter by cracking an unexpected joke or razzing on his sister. He could state hard truths with a bluntness and simplicity that were not only profound but hilarious. William was also a dutiful citizen, proudly exercising his right to vote in every election. 

William’s most striking feature, though, was his memory. He had an encyclopedic mental record of personal and sports history. William could cite the name of UNC’s starting point guard from any given year, and the exact date of important games – from Punt Bama Punt to Bo Over the Top. He could also recall minute details of events and places from 50 years ago. He never forgot a birthday or anniversary.

William is survived by his sister, Mary Arthur Brinkerhoff; two nieces, Amy Brinkerhoff (Johnny Pak), Anna Brinkerhoff (Jason Bramburger); a nephew, Ben Brinkerhoff (Marybeth) and great niece, Naomi James Brinkerhoff; and special friends who were like family, Mark and Nancy Mazza. William was pre-deceased by his parents, Wayne and Mary Ann Arthur, and his brother-in-law, Jim Brinkerhoff.

Graveside Services will be held Saturday, June 11, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Bear Creek Cemetery in Bear Creek, Alabama.