Arthur Randolph Read, age 64 of Roanoke, VA, heard the Lord's sweet whisper calling him home on May 27, 2022. He passed away peacefully at his residence in Roanoke. Arthur was born to the late Deacon Almore James Read and Edna Ross Read of Forest, VA. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings: Howard Read, Alvin Read, Thomas Read Sr., Cora Read Franklin, and Elmore James Read.

Arthur began his life in Forest, VA on May 30, 1957. He was educated by Bedford County Public Schools, where he was a star basketball player at Jefferson Forest High School. His love for sports never ceased, especially for his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers. He worked as a laborer over the years, predominantly at Rubatex and Old Virginia Candle Company. He had a great appreciation for the outdoors, hunting, fishing, tending to the yard, and just "tinkering." Arthur's family and friends were his passion, specifically his granddaughter "Annalisa."

Arthur dedicated his life to Christ at a very young age at St. John Baptist Church in Forest. He attended St. Paul Baptist Church in Forest until relocating to Chesapeake, VA with his loving and devoted wife, Peggy. Most recently prior to his passing, Arthur regularly attended New Beginning Worship Center in Norfolk, VA was made new through baptism there in 2017.

Arthur was a kind, gentle, patient soul who was loved and will be greatly missed by many. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Peggy Jackson Read of Roanoke, VA; his daughter, Amber (Jeff) Blair of Bedford, VA; three brothers, Lawrence Read of Forest, VA, Rev. Albert (Patricia) Read of Evington, VA, and David (Nancy) Reed of Bedford, VA; brothers- and sisters-in-law Bishop Delmar (Pamela) Jackson of Roanoke, VA, Zelma Morgan of Chesapeake, VA, Joan Jackson of Forest, VA, and Tracy Jackson of Forest, VA; his former wife and close friend, Shelby Read of Bedford, VA; his granddaughter, Annalise Blair of Bedford, VA; his godson Chucky Hilson of Lynchburg, VA; and his beloved dog, Chunky Monkey. In addition, he leaves behind three special loves in his life, Jean Rose, Barbara Anderson, and Robin Braxton, along with a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

The family would like to extend special thanks to the staff at Kindred Care Hospice who eased the family's worries and aided Arthur's comfort in his final days.