Manuel Pete Arvon

Manuel Pete Arvon, the very core of our family, whose rich and full life brought light and love to so many, is now with his Savior in Heaven. For 94 years, from October 26, 1929 until September 22, 2024, Manuel was an endless source of kindness and love, bringing to his family and community steadfast wisdom, courage, loyalty, and support.

Manuel was born in Whitesville, WV to Greek immigrants and proud Americans, Panayiotis Arvanitis and Stratigoula Kapisizis (Pete and Beulah Arvon), who instilled in him an enduring devotion to family. Manuel worked tirelessly, alongside his parents and four younger siblings, Nick, Georgia, Charlie, and Sophia, to bring the American Dream to life, all of them filled with patriotism, often proclaiming “God Bless America!” Manuel helped build the family’s home and business spaces and opened multiple family businesses, including a meat market, photography studio, jewelry store, and flower shop. Being the eldest, Manuel was sent to learn the trade, then return home to teach the family, as was the case with Arvon’s Floral & Gift Shop, which he helped establish in 1949 after attending Bright’s School of Floral Design in Chicago. Manuel managed the flower shop, working alongside his siblings for 70 years, until 2019. Manuel’s commitment to his parents and siblings was never broken.

No love of Manuel’s was truer or deeper than that for which he had for his wife, Lois Jean (age 93). High school sweethearts married for 73 years, Manuel’s pure and unwavering adoration for his wife, his “babydoll”, his “associate”, his “Vickers”, was as vibrant and strong on his last day, as the first day they met. When Jean would tell Manuel that she loved him, he would always reply, “I love you more!” An aspirational story of immeasurable love and dedication.

Together, Manuel and Jean humbly raised three sons, Manny, Marc, and Matt, for whom Manuel had so much love and pride. Manuel consistently ingrained his best traits in each of them. Raising their three sons in a home that Manuel designed and built in Sylvester, WV, they ensured that they each had faith in Christ and love for their family and country. Manny (Pam), Marc (Debbie), and Matt (Lynne) have been enriched by decades of priceless memories and life lessons from Manuel. In addition to his sons, Manuel incalculably influenced the lives of his seven precious grandchildren, whom he loved so dearly and supported in any way he could, including Matt (Lesley), Trey (Nikki), Justin (Miranda), Vic, Kendra (Blain), Chase, and Kara (Jordan). Manuel also loved his six great-grandchildren, including Braylon, Addie, Nora, Cort, Josefina, and Owen. His family circle extended to dozens of nieces, nephews, and cousins in America, Greece, and Australia. Manuel was always there for every family milestone, birthday, graduation, and wedding. He was also there for the less momentous days in between, to teach us to ride a bike, help with home renovations, inquire about our lives, and counsel us with his wisdom; always making us smile, laugh, and be filled with joy. He built memories with each of us that will last forever. Manuel’s love and pride for his family cannot be put into words, but rather was best felt by his warm hug, cheek bites, and kisses.

Manuel attended Sherman High School, graduating in 1948, where he was active in student life and athletics. On the football field, Manuel was a two-way starter as fullback and middle linebacker. On the basketball court, he played center. After completing high school and helping his family establish the flower shop, Manuel enlisted in the United States Navy in 1951. Manuel served alongside his twin brother Nick on the USS Carpenter during the Korean War and completed multiple tours of duty across the Pacific Ocean until he was honorably discharged in 1954.

Thereafter, Manuel utilized the GI Bill benefits to pay for his college education. He attended Morris Harvey College (University of Charleston) from 1954 until 1958, when he graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education and Business Management. Manuel then studied at Marshall University from 1958 until 1961, when he graduated with a Master’s Degree in Secondary Educational Administration and completed an additional 70 hours of post-graduate studies.

Manuel began his career in education in 1958 as a Business and Civics teacher at Sherman High School and later that same year was selected to be the Assistant Principal. In 1960, he was named as the Principal at Wharton Junior High School before returning to Sherman High School in 1961 as the Principal, where he served until 1972. Thereafter, Manuel was the Assistant Superintendent of Boone County Schools from 1972 until 1989, when he was selected to be Superintendent until his retirement in 1995. During his 37 year tenure, Manuel worked diligently for the students, teachers, and personnel of Boone County Schools. Manuel served in numerous county leadership roles during his career, including Construction Coordinator, Business Manager and Auditor, Treasurer, and Director of Instruction, Maintenance, and Food Service. Manuel innovated and launched the first Kindergarten Academy and then introduced the concept to other school systems within the state and at the National School Board Association. Manuel also served as a member of the West Virginia Regional Education Service Agency, developed an early childhood education program across Boone County, managed 17 School Building Authority projects, established the non-graded primary block at the elementary level, implemented block scheduling at the secondary level, created a county-wide staff development training retreat, launched the Tech Prep program to provide students an opportunity to learn a trade before graduating, and built relationships with state colleges to offer college courses to high school students.

In addition to his careers in education and business, Manuel also served as a civic leader, patriotically giving back to his community. He would often say, “I shall pass this way but once; any good that I can do or any kindness I can show to any human being; let me do it now. Let me not defer nor neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.” And so, he did. In 1967, he was a founding member of the Sylvester Baptist Church, where he drew the church building plans and proceeded to help build the church building, driving the first and last nails. He also served the church as Sunday School Superintendent and Trustee for over 50 years, expanded the church’s reach, ensured its financial stability, and undoubtedly decorated it for each holiday. Manuel served as the Mayor of the Town of Sylvester for 20 years, where he sought state grants to update the town’s Post Office, Town Hall, and Community Center. Manuel also overhauled the town’s streets, sidewalks, and street lamps, mounted American and West Virginia flags on each power pole, expanded the town’s July 4th festivities, and strengthen the relationship between the town and local coal mines, which then offered funds to help revitalize Sylvester. Manuel also served as President of the West Virginia Community Action Partnership and President of the Boone County Community Organization. He was a member of the Boone County Health Department and the Boone County Public Service Division. Manuel was also a Little League Baseball coach, PTA member, member of the Whitesville Town Council, founding member of the Boy Scouts of Whitesville, member of the American Legion of Whitesville, member of the Lions Club of Whitesville, and member of the Rotary Club of Madison.

Manuel would often say, “I have a vision,” and then proceed to explain remarkable ideas for how he could make something better. That explanation was often followed by, “If it is to be, it is up to me!” Thereafter, in amazement to those around him, Manuel would turn his vision into a reality, never backing down from a challenge. A project was never too big or too small, Manuel was always dedicated until the end. He was never intimidated by anyone or anything, and he thought that if someone else could do it, then so could he. Manuel was always curious to learn more about the world around him. He was a deep thinker, an intellectual. His sharp mind was with him until his last hour. Sometimes Manuel would ponder and rhetorically ask aloud, “Who am I?” He would say that he hoped he was a person with desire to do; to do the things he wanted to do, which was to make positive change and brighten the world for those around him. Manuel was just that person. He accomplished so much for the community around him, all while running a family business and unconditionally loving and supporting his entire family. Manuel felt that there was nothing too dull or unimportant that it was not worth “adding some lipstick” to make it shine. His energy and zest for life will forever be unmatched.

Manuel’s family welcomes the community to pay their respects at a visitation on Sunday, September 29 from 2pm until 5pm at Sherman Junior High School. A funeral service to commemorate Manuel’s life will be held on Monday, September 30 at 1pm at Sylvester Baptist Church by Pastors Timothy Dillon and David Minturn, followed by a burial service at Pineview Cemetery.

While this obituary may give you an idea of who he was, there are no words to truly describe the essence of Manuel Pete Arvon. He was one of a kind. He was larger than life. He was the epitome of love. He was the core of our family. We love him and will miss him every day until we, too, shall pass to be reunited with him in Heaven. May his memory be eternal.

+ ΚΥΡΙΕ ΕΛΕΗΣΟΝ +

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