Turner Arvin Jr.

Turner Arvin, Jr., lovingly known as "Junior" to his family and friends, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, at his home in Bentonville, Arkansas, on June 8, 2026. He was 91 years old.

Born on the Fourth of July in 1934 in Three Point, Kentucky, Junior lived a life defined by patriotism, hard work, and a profound dedication to serving others. At just 17 years old, he joined the U.S. Navy, proudly serving aboard a patrol craft escort ship in the Pacific during the Korean War.
In the 1950s, Junior moved to Chicago, where he met the absolute love of his life, Mava Nell Nolen. They were married on May 17, 1958, and went on to build a beautiful life and raise a wonderful family in the southwest suburbs of Chicago.

Junior was an enterprising and hardworking man. He initially managed two Clark gas stations in Chicago and Oak Lawn, Illinois. In 1967, he transitioned to the railroad, starting as a switchman with the Gulf, Mobile and Ohio (GM&O) Railroad. Through his sharp work ethic, he quickly advanced to become a locomotive engineer, ultimately retiring from the Illinois Central Gulf (ICG) Railroad in January 1996.

Soon after his retirement, Junior and Mava moved to Bentonville, Arkansas. Retirement did not slow Junior down; instead, it gave him more time to do what he loved most: serve. He was a faithful member and volunteer at First Assembly (now Northwest Church) and Bella Vista Assembly of God. Affectionately nicknamed the "Energizer Bunny" by those who knew him, Junior never sat still. He was always jumping up to grab someone a cup of coffee, a snack, or a warm blanket. He was deeply devoted to helping his community, whether he was building homes with Habitat for Humanity, detailing cars for his neighbors, or collecting yard waste for those who couldn’t dispose of it themselves.

Junior was also an avid sportsman. He loved to bowl and was a passionate golfer who regularly beat his sons and grandsons well into his 80s, always playfully reminding them, "You may be able to hit the ball far, but you’ll never be a good golfer until you can hit it straight”, which he always did. He was equally skilled at the pool table, winning numerous trophies through the Rogers Community Center and the Bentonville Senior Center, and traveling across the region for tournaments. He and Mava also cherished their time on the open road, spending weeks traveling to Texas, Alabama, Florida, and Branson in their 5th-wheel camper.

Above all, Junior was a family man with a massive heart. He was a legendary gift-giver, famously picking up thoughtful treasures for his daughter and daughters-in-law whenever he traveled and regularly baking peanut butter cookies dipped in chocolate for his granddaughters and granddaughters-in-law. As a doting grandfather and great-grandfather, he was a constant source of joy, always keeping candy, coins, and dollar bills tucked away in his pockets for the kids.

Junior is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Mava Nell Arvin; his four children, Kenneth Ray (Nancie) Arvin, Robert Wayne (Theresa) Arvin, Gary Dale (Joyce) Arvin, and Judith Lynne Taylor Keeling (Luther); his sister, Brenda Casey; 10 grandchildren, Michelle Arvin, Vanessa (Tyler) Vickers, Bethany (Allen) Kadivar, Lauren (Phillip) Palmer, Christopher (Larissa) Taylor, Kathryn (Evan) Athanasiou, Jonathan (Kaitlin) Arvin, Andrew Taylor, Makailah Arvin, and Sarah (Rowdy) Brown; 11 great-grandchildren, Matthew, Brady, Myles, Willie, Geneva, Maggie, Ellie, Hallie, Asa, Hannah, Annie, and a new great-grandson due in October 2026; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Christopher Turner Arvin and Rosa (Lumpkins) Arvin; his son-in-law, Jeff Taylor; as well as 4 sisters and 9 brothers.

Junior leaves behind a rich legacy of kindness, laughter, and a true servant’s heart. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Service Information:
Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 11, 2026 at New Hope Church, 2626 W. New Hope Road, Rogers, Arkansas, with a funeral service celebrating Junior’s life immediately following at 11:00 a.m. Final resting place will be at Bentonville Cemetery, 400 SW “F” Street, Bentonville, AR.