Rev. William Arthur Locust, 96, of Cherokee died peacefully on Monday, October 24, 2011, surrounded by his family. He was the son of the late Noah and Anne Burrell Locust.
In addition to his parents Rev. Locust was preceded in death by his wife Sally; a son Ernest; three grandchildren, Brittany, Patrick, and Kirk, five brother, Homer, Lewis, Russell, Andrew, and Fred; and four sisters, Bessie, Martha, Josie and Tinny.
He is survived by three daughters, Linda Locust George and her husband John, Suzanne Locust, and Wilani Locust Taylor and her husband Bill, all of Cherokee; four sons, James W. Locust and his wife Evelyn, Arthur Locust Jr. and his wife Parshala, Frank James Locust and his wife Betty, and Jeremiah Locust and his wife Sadie, all of Cherokee; a sister, Edna Locust Hornbuckle of Cherokee; twenty nine grandchildren, forty five great grandchildren, five great great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Rev. Locust was a Baptist preacher for 74 years, and as a young man made his way to and from church on a bicycle, and even in his last days was still leading souls to the Lord. Arthur was an avid sportsman and loved all things outdoors including hunting, fishing and gardening with his children, he also enjoyed making baskets. He was a good man and a great father who always lived by Psalm 37 : 23 “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.”
Funeral services will be held Friday, October 28, 2011 at 2:00 pm at Goose Creek Baptist Church with Revs. James Gunter and Hoover Nations officiating. Rev. Locust will be taken to Goose Creek Baptist Church on Thursday, October 27, 2011 at 4 PM to await the hour of service, the family will receive friends during this time. Burial will be at the Locust Family Cemetery. Bryson City Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences can be made at www.brysoncityfuneralhome.com.