Extracted from The Austin American-Statesman (Austin, TX)
Sunday, May 21, 2006

Bobby Ray Arrington

On May 18, 2006, Bobby Ray Arrington won his battle with cancer and got to go home.

Bobby was born in Lufkin, Texas on February 6, 1955 to Louis and LaNell Freeman Arrington. He graduated from Sam Houston State University with a Business Degree, and was commissioned as a 2nd Lt. in the United States Army. Bobby was a tank commander, but most of all, an Aeroscout pilot. He was never happier than when he was flying. He received numerous citations and awards, and finished his service to his country with a nine month tour of duty in Bosnia as an Active Reserve with the rank of Major in 1998.

On June 7, 1980 he married Tamera Storey in Pasadena, Texas. They had over 25 years together, and two beautiful daughters, Shelley Denise (age 21) and Emily Jordan (age 13). In 1996, the family purchased 21 acres north of Hutto and Bobby built their ``barn''/home himself with the help of dear friends. It became his oasis, and his tractor took the place of his helicopter.

After leaving active duty in 1986, Bobby began his second career as a Police Officer. He began as a Reserve Officer in Belton, Texas, then was hired on as a Patrol Officer in West Lake Hills, where he rose to the rank of Assistant Chief. Upon his return from Bosnia, he was hired by the Round Rock Police Department, and he would tell anyone who would listen it was the only place to work. During his seven years with Round Rock, he was on patrol duty, on the accident reconstruction team, the hostage negotiation team, helped organize and run the Citizen's Police Academy, and worked in the Training and Recruiting Division, making sure that those hired by Round Rock remained only the best.

Bobby was a member of the Round Rock Church of Christ where he was one of the ministry leaders for the Fellowship Committee, led Small Group Fellowships and was a Deacon for a period of time. He loved helping with the Youth Group, and accompanied them on several mission trips and retreats.

In addition to his wife and children, Bobby is survived by his father, Louis Arrington, and his wife, Emma, of Lufkin, Texas; two brothers: Michael Arrington of Dallas, Texas; and Robert Arrington, his wife Doris and their son Patrick, of San Marcos, Texas. He also leaves behind his in-laws, police brothers, military brothers, and a host of friends and family who loved him dearly and look forward to a reunion soon.

The family would like to thank the Round Rock Police Department and members of the Round Rock Church of Christ for carrying us with prayers and helping hands for the last two years. Words cannot express how much we love you and we can never recognize all that was done. We would also like to thank the Cancer Therapy and Research Center, Dr. Rob Fuller, Dr. Ken Ellis, the Herman Hospital Transplant Team, and a host of other mediccal professionals for giving him a fighting chance, and Hospice Austin for making it possible for him to come home for his last two days here.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Cancer Therapy and Research Center, 7979 Wurzbach Road, San Antonio, Texas 78229 or the Round Rock Police Officers Association, 206 West Main, Round Rock, TX 78664 for the benefit of Katy Ewing (an officer's daughter with cancer). Note on the check ~ ``In memory of Bobby Arrington''.

Visitation will be from 3 until 5 p.m., Sunday, May 21, 2006, at the Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home in Pflugerville. Funeral services will be at 1:00 p.m., Monday, May 22, 2006, at the Round Rock Church of Christ, 1200 N. Georgetown Street, Round Rock. Graveside services with military honors will follow at 3:30 p.m., at Calvert City Cemetery, Calvert, Texas.