Arthur J Phinisee

Arthur J. Phinisee, affectionately known as “Brother” by many of his older family members, peacefully fell asleep in death on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at the age of 91.

Arthur was born on April 15, 1935, in Darlove, Mississippi, to Curtis and Mattie (Karr-McAtee) Phinisee. He was the third of twelve children and graduated from Arcola High School in 1955.

He moved to Chicago, Illinois, where his sisters lived, after graduating. During this time, Arthur met his wife, Anne Mae Wilson, while working at his uncle’s drugstore. Shortly after their marriage, they relocated to Texas, where his mother was living, and began building their life together and raising their family.

After meeting his wife—who was raised as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses—Arthur began studying the Bible and was baptized on July 23, 1966, as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Arthur served faithfully for many years as a ministerial servant in his congregations. He found great joy in reading and discussing the Bible and in sharing his faith with others. Together with his wife, he helped many—including members of his own family—come to know Bible truths and dedicate their lives to Jehovah. He remained zealous in his ministry, often speaking about God’s Kingdom and the hope of a future paradise. Until his final days, Arthur continued to pray and express his deep faith, confident in Jehovah’s loving memory and the hope of the resurrection.

Most of Arthur’s secular career was devoted to the construction industry. He also worked evenings as a floor maintenance manager at Walmart before transitioning there full-time. He later became a beloved Greeter, known warmly as the “Walmart Brother.”

Known for his skillful craftsmanship, one of his greatest legacies is that he personally built two homes for his family. Beyond his work, he found joy in fishing and boating, often expressing how much he loved time spent on the water. He was also known for his signature wool hat, which concealed his full head of silver hair—something that surprised many coworkers when they saw him without it.

He was a kind and caring man with a warm smile and a quick sense of humor. He had a special gift for making others laugh, even during difficult times, including while he was hospitalized. His easygoing nature and love for life left a lasting impression on all who knew him.

Arthur was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife of 35 years, Anne Mae; his two older sisters, Ollie Mae Wilson and Vera Jackson; and two younger brothers, Nathaniel Phinisee and Othell Phinisee.

He leaves to cherish his memory four children: Jenero Phinisee, Tyran Phinisee, Tangee Phinisee-Wells, and Chantell Phinisee. He also leaves behind three grandchildren: Tristan Phinisee, Sasha Ann Phinisee, and Whitney Wells.

Arthur is also mourned by his seven surviving brothers: Andrew Phinisee (Patricia), Isaiah Phinisee, Clarence Phinisee (Mary), Ward Phinisee, Lee Edward Phinisee, John Phinisee (Francine), and Donnie Roy Phinisee (Dorothy). He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family members who will deeply miss his bright presence.

Arthur J. Phinisee will be remembered for his faith, his hard work, his humor, and the love he showed to his family and all who knew him. His life was a testament to endurance, devotion, and hope for the future.