He was a loving and faithful husband and father who left the forestry business at age 31 to follow God’s calling into the gospel ministry. His response to the Lord’s call was like Isaiah the prophet who said, “Here am I, send me” (Isaiah 6:8).

Harold Arnold “Arnie” Maves, Jr., 87, resident of Pensacola, Florida for 50 years went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday, April 16, 2016. Arnie was born on March 3, 1929 in Indianapolis, Indiana to Harold and Lucile Maves.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Barbara Boyd Maves, whom he met and married at Purdue University while getting his B.S. degree in Forestry, and by his granddaughter, Jillian Stalter.

He was a loving and faithful husband and father who left the forestry business at age 31 to follow God’s calling into the gospel ministry. His response to the Lord’s call was like Isaiah the prophet who said, “Here am I, send me” (Isaiah 6:8).

After five years as a pastor, his last church being Midway Presbyterian Church in Powder Springs, Georgia, he became a full-time evangelist with the Presbyterian Evangelistic Fellowship. First traveling all over the United States preaching and teaching God’s Word and then over time the Lord opened up more opportunities for him to take 90 plus trips to more than 25 countries. He spent extensive time in Greece, Hungary and Romania, where he trained laymen to be pastors. He was always ready for a new adventure and whatever was required; ready to sacrifice for the sake of the gospel.

His life verse was “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21).

He leaves behind five children, Jenni Wiggins, Boyd Maves (Diana), Janet Fox (Chip), Lisa Henry (Lou), Samuel Maves (Amy); nine grandchildren, Laura Anderson (Aaron), Elizabeth Wiggins, Rick Fox (Heather), Daniel Fox, Jennifer Lewis (Cori), Landon Stalter, Benjamin Stalter, Cameron Maves, Mallory Maves; five great grandchildren, Aiden Anderson, Noah Lewis, Ava Lewis, Haleigh Fox, Cooper Fox.

His family would like to thank all the churches and individuals who supported his ministry. A special thank you to his home caretakers: Carolyn Frear, Ruth Feagin, Ann McPherson, Sheila Summers; LaShay Scott and the caretakers at Emerald Coast Hospice.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, April 20th at 2:00 p.m. at McIlwain Memorial Presbyterian Church 1220 E. Blount St. There will be a time to visit the family at 1:00 p.m. in the church sanctuary before the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to the Presbyterian Evangelistic Fellowship 100 5th St., Suite 330, Bristol, TN 37620.

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