On Saturday afternoon, June 13, 2020, in fulfillment of God’s plan for his life, Rudolph Valentino Arrington Jr., entered into eternal rest at home with his loving family by his side.
“Rudy” or Val, Boop, Pop, Big-Dog, as he was affectionately known by many, was born on May 13, 1958, to the late Kay Frances and Rudolph Valentino Arrington Sr., of Queens, New York. He was a Class of 1973 graduate of August Martin High School. After high school, he started his career with the United States Coast Guard. While stationed in Norfolk, he met and married the love of his life, Kathy Reed, whom he affectionately called “Boop”; stealing her from Norfolk State University. On November 30, 1996, he retired from the USCG as a Chief Mechanic from the Engineering Training Group, Little Creek, Virginia with over twenty years of service.
Rudy continued working after retirement with Canon, Walmart, Target, and Marshalls. He also was a member and willing worker of Little Zion Baptist Church, Williamsburg (Grove), VA, and a Former Past Worshipful Master MACEO Consolidated Lodge #124 F&AM, Williamsburg, VA.
Rudy was a loving husband, father, son, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, and friend. He loved fishing, working on cars, and was an all-around handyman. He also enjoyed sitting around reminiscing about the “good ole” days with family and friends.
Rudy was predeceased by his parents-in-law, James Hardy and Sarah Reed, and brother-in-law, William “Boomer” Reed.
Rudy leaves to cherish fond memories with his wife of forty-one years, Kathy Reed Arrington; two sons, Rudy Valentino Arrington III and Jamel Arrington (Tasha aka “Lil Bit”); daughter, SarahKay Arrington; two sisters, Brenda Arrington and Joyce Arrington; brother, Bliss Arrington; sister-in-law; Vivian Reed-Terry; brother-in-law, Jerome Reed (Phyllis); foster granddaughter, Amiyah; faithful friends, Alwaajid Asmar Hanifa Beybeyah, Will Williams, Will & Lisa Williamson, Alfred Simons, and Bennie “Bo” Parker Sr.; the “Straight out of Grove Crew; and a host of other relatives and friends.
A viewing will be held on Friday, June 19, 2020, from 12:00 noon until 5:00 p.m. in the funeral home. A Celebration of Life service with military honors will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, June 20, 2020, at Little Zion Baptist Church, Williamsburg, with the Pastor Wayne S. Tucker officiating. Facebook live-stream will be available for this service. Social distancing will be enforced.
Professional services entrusted to the staff of Whiting’s Funeral Home, 7005 Pocahontas Trail, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185. 757-229-3011. whitingsfuneralhome.com
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