Arthur Palfrey

Valley resident Arthur Walter Palfrey, 83, passed away at home surrounded by those he loved on Tuesday, May 17, 2016, in Wasilla, Alaska.

The family invites all friends for fellowship and a celebration of life to be held on Friday, May 20, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Valley Funeral Home, located at 151 E Herning Avenue in Wasilla.

Arthur, a former resident of Terre Haute, Indiana, was born November 18, 1932, in Birmingham, England. He served nine years with the Royal Navy and retired after 28 years with the Birmingham Police Force. He was employed for six years at the Terre Haute First National Bank as the first security driver of the Mobile ATM. He was a member of the Anvil Chorus of Birmingham, England and later a member of the Wabash Valley Barbershop Chorus of Terre Haute, Indiana. He was also a member of the Navy Club in Birmingham, England and member of the HMS Gangees Association. He and his wife retired to Wasilla in 2001. He enjoyed singing karaoke every weekend where they called him Mr. Smooth and working in his workshop doing wood projects for all of the family and his friends. He was a great singer and loved by all his friends and family. He was a great husband, dad, and grandfather.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Phyllis Palfrey, and first wife June Palfrey.

He is survived by his wife, Lila Camp Palfrey; one brother, Les Palfrey and wife Margaret Palfrey of Havant, England; sister-in-law, Sherry Hays Stith and husband Al, of Wasilla; two sons, Leigh Palfrey of Barcelona, Spain, and Scott Palfrey, of Birmingham, England; two step children, Randy Camp of Riley, Indiana, and Cathy Bishop, of Wasilla; two grandsons, Martyn and Joshua Palfrey; one great-grandson, Jude, of Chepstow, England, eight step grandchildren, 15 step great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Nugens Ranch, P.O. Box 871545 Wasilla, AK 99687, and Mat-Su Borough Animal Shelter, 9470 E. Chanlyut Circle Palmer, AK 99645.

Arrangements by Valley Funeral Home, Wasilla Chapel.