Arthur Gleason Stow, 92, of Sneads Ferry, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at his home on October 23, 2026.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at St. Anne's Episcopal Church, followed by burial with military honors at Coastal Carolina State Veterans Cemetery.

Arthur was born on July 20, 1934, in Huntington, Long Island, New York, to the late Arthur Albert Stow and Mary Gleason Stow. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Joan Beck.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia Stow; his four children, Karen (Harold) Sims, Linda (Greg) Thompson, Greg (Theresa) Stow, and Pamela (Brian) Demidovich; and his sister, Kathryn Paar. He also leaves behind 13 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, four nieces, three nephews, two grandnieces, and one grandnephew.

Arthur attended St. Patrick's Parochial School in Huntington, New York, and graduated from St. Dominic's High School in Oyster Bay, Long Island, in 1952. He subsequently joined the Marine Corps Reserve before enlisting for active duty in July 1953. He served until July 1955 as a supply sergeant with the Able Eagles of Fighter-Bomber Squadron 115, First Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Aircraft Group 33, during the Korean War.

Following his military service, Arthur attended Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York, using the GI Bill to earn his college degree. In 1964, he joined the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), beginning a career in public service.

Arthur married Patricia on May 28, 1967, and together they built a wonderful life centered on family, adventure, and a shared love of the outdoors.

An avid fisherman, Arthur loved the beach, boating, and water skiing. During the winter months, he traded water skis for snow skis, sharing his enthusiasm for outdoor adventures with his children through countless boating, fishing, and skiing excursions. He also enjoyed playing chess and especially loved teaching the game to his grandchildren. After retiring to North Carolina, he discovered a passion for golf and became an enthusiastic golfer. He enjoyed Guinness, Drambuie, and later in life he enjoyed red wine. 

Arthur and Patricia also enjoyed traveling together in their RV, exploring the United States and spending winters in Colorado, where they could indulge their love of snow skiing before returning to North Carolina and the golf course. In later years, they also enjoyed cruising and discovering new countries together.

When he wasn't traveling or enjoying the outdoors, Arthur could often be found gardening or working in the yard. Family was always at the heart of his life, and he cherished visits with his children and grandchildren. With daughters Karen and Linda living in Arizona and Greg and Pam in the Raleigh area of North Carolina, Arthur and Patricia treasured every opportunity to spend time with their growing family.

Throughout his life, Arthur formed many lasting friendships and maintained close connections with friends who had been part of his journey over the years. He will be remembered for his devotion to family, his adventurous spirit, his love of the outdoors, and the many wonderful memories he created with those closest to him.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, November 3, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at Jones Funeral Home in Jacksonville, North Carolina. Those wishing to attend the funeral service are asked to meet at St. Anne's Episcopal Church no later than 12:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Arthur's memory to Alzheimer's research, Lower Cape Fear LifeCare, or an organization of your choice.