Arthur was one of 13 children and raised by an aunt and uncle in Jonesboro, Louisiana. He served in the Army and attained the rank of corporal. After moving to Flagstaff in 1952, he worked construction and operated a small barbershop from his home. Arthur then moved to the Navajo Reservation, and was employed by the BIA and Public Health Service in Shiprock until he retired in 1991. He made many good friends who still live in and around the reservation now. Arthur was active in the Baptist Church from youth, serving as deacon at many churches including First Baptist Church and Springhill Baptist Church in Flagstaff, Arizona, and Ideal Baptist Church in Farmington. He supported and encouraged many young people in their efforts to pursue higher education through his generous financial gifts. (Navajo Times, December 10, 2009)