Arnold Ebon Aiken

Arnold Aiken passed away at his home on March 23, 2023, following health issues after a heart attack and a stroke in January. Arnold was born on August 3, 1923, to his parents, Malcolm Mitchell Aiken and Lula Aiken, in Mecklenburg County. Arnold grew up in Concord, North Carolina, and had six sisters, three older than he, and three younger than he.

After the United States entered World War II, Arnold enlisted into the United States Navy. After training Arnold served as a machinist’s mate aboard the USS LCI 1056, a landing craft infantry vessel. His ship saw action in the Pacific theatre of World War II, and his ship was involved in several of major battles of the Pacific, including Iwo Jima and the Battle Of Leyte Gulf. Arnold said one of his finest memories was viewing from his ship the flag after the flag had been raised by the United States on the island of Iwo Jima. Arnold served with the Navy until 1946 and rose to the rank of Chief Petty Officer during his enlistment.

After returning home to Concord from his military service, Arnold finished high school and then went to further his education under the GI Bill, and graduated with a degree in civil engineering from Georgia Tech. Arnold then worked for a land surveyor in Concord, then as an engineer for the City of High Point.

Arnold then accepted a position in Garner, North Carolina as the town’s first town manager in 1962. He was employed with the town of Garner until 1966, and then worked as chief engineer for the State Parks Division of North Carolina. After leaving the State Parks Division, Arnold worked for L. E. Wooten Co. After retirement from L. E. Wooten, Arnold was vice-president of a consulting firm, Aiken-Yelle and Associates.

Arnold along with his wife, Raymelle Carnes Aiken, were charter members of the Aversboro Road Baptist Church, in Garner, North Carolina; where they attended faithfully and were very active. Arnold was also a member of Garner Masonic Lodge 701, a past member of the Lions Club, and a member of the American Legion and VFW post.

Arnold is predeceased by his wife, Raymelle Carnes Aiken; parents, Malcolm Aiken and Lula Aiken, Alberta Aiken Polk, Alena Aiken Polk, Agnes Aiken Little, Ruth Aiken Sossamon, Martha Aiken Horton. He is survived by son, Forrest Aiken (wife Elaine); sister Yvonne Spencer of Concord, North Carolina, and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on March 27, 2023, at the Aversboro Road Baptist Church. Visitation will begin at 10:00 A.M. and followed with the funeral service at 11:00 A.M. Graveside services will be at Montlawn Memorial Park, Raleigh, North Carolina following the funeral service.

Special thanks to the nurses and staff of Promedica Heartland Hospice who provided in-home medical care during his illness. In leu of flowers, please send donations to Aversboro Road Baptist Church or to any Veterans associations or organizations.