Arthur was born in Georgia and raised in Daytona Beach, Florida. He was a graduate of Campbell Senior High School. Shortly after high school, he was called to serve in the U.S. Army.

Art proudly served his country and saw combat in Korea and Vietnam. He earned many medals including the National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal-Korea, Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 device, and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm. He served honorably in the Army for more than 20 years until his retirement in 1981. Upon his return to Daytona Beach, he began a career with Florida's Department of Transportation (DOT). After an outstanding career with the DOT he retired once again and began his life of leisure. In retirement, almost daily he hung out with his buddies for breakfast at Krystal's, worked Sudoku puzzles, and quenched his thirst for knowledge with books (he was an avid reader).

Art was an active member of the Fraternal Lodge #36. He was a 33 ^o Master Mason, which is the highest degree in Masonry. He served in various local, state, and national capacities. He was a Past Master of King Solomon Temple #97, a Past High Priest of the Royal Arch Chapter #15, Commander in Chief of Orange Blossom Consistory #5, Potentate of Asia Temple #7, Imperial Inner Guard for the Imperial Grand Council of the Ancient Arabic Order the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine and a member of the F.W. Allen Commandery #1 Knights Templar.

Some of Art's most cherished moments were on vacation and at family gatherings. He loved to hang out with his nieces, nephews, cousins and especially his sisters and brothers. "Wilson", as his family calls him, would be one of the first to hit the road to join a family gathering. He was known to always have a good story to tell. Sometimes his stories were to teach you something. He loved black history and always had a tidbit of information to share about the accomplishments of blacks around the world. But mostly his stories were simply to make you laugh! And boy, would he laugh! He was a fun-loving person. He enjoyed playing Monopoly, dominos, bid whist, spades, chess or checkers it didn't matter. He would pull up a chair and beat you almost every time. Of course he wouldn't keep quiet about it. He had to talk and tease. While playing spades one of his favorite taunts was, "you study long, you study wrong" he would say with a laugh.

Art is preceded in death by his father, Clarence Eady, Sr.; his mother, Margaret Eady; his brothers Clarence Eady, Sr. and Calvin Alexander; his son, James Arthur Eady, Sr. and his grandson, Avery Atkins, Sr. He leaves behind to grieve a host of family and friends. His devoted companion, caregiver and friend, Barabara Eady of Palm Coast, FL. His beloved children Shelley Joseph of Daytona Beach, FL, Melissa Williams of Ormond, FL, Howard Eady of Miami, FL, and Artresa Eady-Mays (Jamaal) of Minot, ND. His loving siblings Annie Bell Denson of Augusta, GA; Mary Lue Cooper (Stewart) of Atlanta, GA, Barbara McIntyre of Middleburg, FL and Richard Oliver (Garden City, FL). Also grieving his loss are 14 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and numerous mason brothers and friends.
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