Obituary of Arthur Lee Gross, Jr.

Arthur Lee Gross Jr, 85, of Hopkins SC, passed away peacefully in his home December 16, 2022, while surrounded by his children. He was born on October 13, 1937 in Columbia, SC, son of the late Elizabeth P. Gross and Arthur L. Gross Sr.

He is survived by his three children, Lori G. Wilhoit (Matt) of Hopkins, Jena G. Northen (William, sons David, Clark, and Ben) of Richmond VA, and son, Arthur L. Gross III (Pam, daughter Jessy) of Hopkins. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Shelby Stover Gross; sister, Elizabeth “Suzy” Shepard of Lake Suzy Florida; and granddaughter, Elly Blake Gross of Hopkins.

Arthur graduated from Dreher High School (1955), North Greenville Junior College (1958), and attended Clemson University before attending and receiving a certificate through the Forestry Commission of Florida. He began his career in the Forestry Service, served in the Naval reserves for 8 years, worked for Carolina Electric, served on the Board of Directors for Bethea Baptist Home, and ultimately retired from Southern Mutual Church Insurance Company, where he served for 31 years as President (1969-2000) and continued on the Board of Directors until 2018. He was a faithful member of Lower Richland Masonic Lodge #406, Lebanon UMC, and the Redneck Supper Club. He was the founder of Dark Corner Hunt Club in Blair SC, on his beloved family farm and one of his favorite places on earth.

Arthur loved dogs, hunting, fishing, fish fries, smoking his pipe, and gathering with friends and family whenever possible. There wasn’t anything he couldn’t build or fix. He had many nicknames (Bug, Possum, Joey, PopPop, etc.) and was famous for creating nicknames for others. Arthur was a positive influence in the lives of many family and friends. He was “frugal” yet would give a person the shirt off his back.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, December 21, 2022 at Lebanon United Methodist Church in Eastover, SC, with Pastor Greg Davis officiating. Visitation is at 10am in the fellowship hall, followed by a memorial service at 11am. Family will have a private burial following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Lebanon United Methodist Church of Eastover (www.lebanonscumc.org).