In both grief and celebration, Arthur Lee “Tab” Stikeleather transitioned from this earth to join the many loved ones he has missed and to cast his face upon his Savior.

Arthur Lee, affectionally known as “Tab,” was born on July 16, 1926, to William Mack Stikeleather and Annie Belle Brown Stikeleather in Stony Point, N.C. He lived 97 years, and passed away on February 15, 2024, at his home. He was the eleventh of twelve children.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his siblings, Ray (Rachel), Mary (George), Vance (Bill), Myrtle (Reggie), Grier (Betsy), Joe (Sue), Wade (Lucy), William Mack Jr, (Martha), Hugh (Margaret), Lindsey, and Nancy (Jim).

Left to cherish his memory are his precious wife, Jeanie Beeker Stikeleather (they celebrated 75 years of marriage on June 25, 2023); his children, Toni Leigh Stikeleather (Norman), Sondra Jill Stikeleather (Bill) and Gene Paul Stikeleather (Robin). He is also survived by his loving grandchildren, Justin Allred (Lisa), Lindsay Kate Holton, Adam Stikeleather, Alan Tegethoff, Daniel Stikeleather (Dakota) and Tabby Stikeleather. Surviving also are two great grandsons, Bobby Allred and Kingston Stikeleather; his sister-in-law, Ruth (Lindsay) Stikeleather; as well as an expected great granddaughter due in July 2024.

Tab was faithful to his belief in Jesus Christ and loved his Christian family at Monticello Baptist Church. Tab never met a stranger and was admired and loved by so many friends, nieces and nephews.

One of his favorite stories is how he started working in the cotton patch at three years old. He was also astounded how Mack and Annie could raise twelve children during the meager times of the Great Depression. Tab was a World War II Veteran, serving in the Army overseas in the Philippines and as an MP at Walter Reed Hospital. He loved selling cars and going to NASCAR races with his close friends. Tab worked for many years with Bill Howard at Bell and Howard Chevrolet and Dixie Jeep. He believed in hard work and continued to work for Randy Marion Chevrolet in Statesville, N.C., until his passing. The family is especially grateful to Rhyne Scott for his support and love of Tab.

Tab had a long life well lived, surrounded by his family, his church, and his friends. He was a remarkable man and will be deeply missed. Now he is in glory, pain free and reunited with his loved ones, and his Savior.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at Monticello Baptist Church with interment to follow at Iredell Memorial Gardens with full military honors. Rev. Bill Phillips and Rev. Terry Rausch will officiate. The family will visit with friends prior to the service from 12 to 1:30 p.m.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County and Sherrie’s In home Health Care for their love and support shown to Tab in his final days.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Monticello Baptist Church Building Fund at 3603 Taylorsville Highway, Statesville, NC 28625.

Troutman Funeral Home is serving the family.