Arthur Ray Paynter

HENDERSON- Arthur Ray Paynter, 75, died on December 31, 2022 after a brief illness. By all accounts, he was a good and kind man who will be missed more than words can express. Arthur was born in Warrenton, on December 17, 1947 to the late Arthur Lee and Helen Norwood Paynter. It was fitting that the United States Marine Corps called him to serve during the Vietnam era as he exemplified sacrifice and commitment to duty, honor and country in all he did. Even so, his higher callings were to his faith, family and friends. Arthur was a Christian whose faith never wavered. Sharing his love of Christ was a focal point in his life. He served as a deacon at his church, West End Baptist, in Henderson. For more than 48 years, he was part of the Christian Fellowship Sunday School Class there. His family was his pride and joy. Arthur met his wife, Sandra Abbott, at Dabney High School, where he graduated in 1967. She was the love of his life and his best friend. The legacy of their more than 52-year commitment is evident in their family. He was a creative innovator who could make almost anything work. More often than not, he met the challenge of figuring out a solution with the resources he had on hand. He had tricks to start engines, open stuck doors, and get out of trouble. His family regularly heard him say that prior planning prevents problems. He was right. Most of his nearly 50-year career was with the Coca-Cola Bottling Company, first in Henderson and then Durham. He retired as vice president of operations in 2011. In the years that followed, he spent much time gardening, doing projects with Sandra, on job sites for his son’s contracting business, and being an actively engaged grandfather. In addition to his wife, Sandra, he is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Dr. Sharon Paynter and Robert Weatherly of Greenville, his son and daughter-in-law, Brian and Sarah Boisvert Paynter of Henderson, the grandchildren he adored, Kaitlin Helen and Jack Arthur Paynter; his sister, Charlotte Paynter Segnere and husband, Patrick; nephews, Dr. Jeff Segnere and wife, Dr. Eunis Segnere and Jason Segnere and wife, Jennifer Segnere; and many cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends. A celebration of Arthur’s life will be held at West End Baptist Church, Wednesday, January 4, 2022 at 11:00 AM by Rev. Cade Patterson and Rev. Marshall Neathery. Graveside services with military honors will follow in Sunset Gardens. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening, January 3, 2022 at J.M. White Funeral Home from 6:00 PM until 7:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Rebuilding Hope, 414 Raleigh Road, Henderson, NC 27536.