Arthur James Marilla
Arthur James Marilla, 93, passed away on March 4, 2026 at his Assisted Living Community - Georgian Manor in Chesapeake, VA, following a decline in his health.
He was born on September 8th, 1932, and was the son of the late William Thomas and Lillian Jessup Marilla of Chatham. Arthur lived in Chatham all of his life except when he was stationed at Fort Gordon, Georgia for the Army, and when he moved to live with his daughter in 2020.
He met his beloved wife, Jane Prevette in Georgia, at Fort Gordon. They moved to Chatham shortly after and established a loving home and raised their family there. They were married for 63 years before she died in 2020.
Arthur is survived by his two daughters, Marion Dee Marilla, and Annette Marilla Conley, her husband Chuck Conley, and his 2 grandchildren, Logan and Sarah Conley.
Arthur graduated from Chatham High School in 1949 and bragged that he was top ten in his class - but the truth was there were only 13 students that graduated that year. He was, however, voted best looking in his class.
Arthur attended business school in Lynchburg and worked at a bank in Chatham and at Tune and Toler before becoming a partner at Chatham Building Supply He loved mixing paint, filling customer orders, and advising people on home repairs and DIY projects. After they sold the business, he worked for Proctor and Gamble allowing he and Jane to travel and enjoy life as empty nesters.
Arthur was a lifelong member of Chatham Presbyterian Church where he served as an Elder, Deacon and treasurer. He leaves behind a loyal church family who supported him his entire life and especially since his relocation to Virginia Beach in 2020. He was involved with the Masonic Lodge of Pittsylvania County, where he was a Master twice. He received his 70 year pin in 2026.
He will always be remembered for his charm and his story telling, often entertaining friends and neighbors with jokes and tales of life in Chatham. He will also be remembered as the man about town because he walked through the streets of Chatham, greeting everyone. He will be greatly missed by his friends and family.
A funeral service will be held at Chatham Presbyterian Church on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Mikel Pugh officiating. Burial will follow at Chatham Burial Park. The family will be receiving friends at the church one hour prior to the service on Saturday, March 7, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to Chatham Presbyterian Church or St. Judes.
Norris Funeral Services, Chatham Chapel is serving the family.
