Arthur Tozzi

Arthur Brown Tozzi, 78, of Wilson, died peacefully on Sunday, January 26, 2020, surrounded by his children and loved ones.

Funeral, Saturday, 2:00 PM, Wilson Memorial Service, followed by a time of visiting and sharing.

He wanted it known that he went on to an even better place a happy man.  The “Dancin’ Bear” was an amazing gentleman and a highly decorated Marine.  He served faithfully in the United States Marine Corps for 21 years.  An accomplished fighter pilot, he flew the F-4 Phantom in over four hundred missions during the Vietnam War.  After retiring as a Major, he went on to enjoy a successful second career as a marketing manager for a major defense contractor.

Art was a devoted and loving father and grandfather, a treasured friend and brother, and a beloved member of the Merck Road Gentleman’s Club.  He enjoyed playing golf, was a captivating storyteller, and loved the open road on his motor-cycle. He took great joy in completing several solo cross-country motorcycle trips, and always stopped along the way to visit friends, family, and his brothers in arms.  Art was a gifted writer and a regular contributor to the ‘Letters to The Editor’ section of the Wilson Times. He loved his family, his friends, his country, the United States Marine Corps, and his Marine brothers. He will be terribly missed by all who knew him.

Surviving are his daughters, Gina Fernandez (Tim) of Wilson, Samantha Lemonds (Geoff) of Spartanburg, SC; grandchildren, Jack and Selah Fernandez and Hugh, Blythe, and Eleanor Lemonds; brother, Howard Stoodley of Arlington, VA, and sister, Amy Tozzi of McClean, VA.

He was preceded in death by his parents, August and Elizabeth Tozzi, and brother, Gus Tozzi.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a dontation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis, TN 38105-9959.