Arthur Leon Baylor

Arthur was born July 27, 1952 in Mount Olive, North Carolina to Lou Virginia Manley. At an early age he moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, where he was raised by Leon and Ernestine Baylor, who preceded him in death. As an adolescent, he spent his summers in Hanover County Virginia, where he acquired life skills and learned responsibility by assisting with the daily operations of the family owned ice cream parlor, recreations center and ball park. He attended Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools and graduated from North Mecklenburg High School. After high school, he enrolled at Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, NC. After leaving college Arthur enlisted in the Army, serving 12 years. While in the service, Arthur met and married Bernice Harris and together they raised their family. During his time in the Army, he was afforded the opportunity to travel within the US and internationally to Korea and Germany. He enjoyed his military career; however, his commitment and need to spend time with his family, was more important than serving another tour outside of the US. Once honorably discharged from the military, he made Maryland his home and was employed as a corrections officer. After retiring, he enjoyed his leisure time until his health failed. At that time he moved into the home of his daughter, Camila and her family, who loved and cared for him until he was called home on September 20, 2024. Arthur gained a love for sports while in high school, where he enjoyed pick-up games of basketball and baseball. His love of sports stayed with him and became especially important during his lengthy illness. During this time he grew to love tennis and college and NFL football and listening to music. He especially enjoyed listening to groups such The Spinners, The Manhattans, Earth, Wind and Fire and Rick James. Arthur will be remembered as a loving, protective, and devoted husband, father, and big brother to his family. Arthur's unwavering love for his daughters was widely recognized; in addition to Camila Carter (Anthony) of Franklin, Virginia, Arthur is also lovingly survived by his eldest daughter, Ardella Baylor (Paul) of Jacksonville, Florida as well as 7 grandchildren: Mya Worsley, Jerzell Radhay, Anaya Carter, Javan Radhay, Makenzie Carter,Jayniah Radhay, Anthony Carter II. Also left to cherish his memory are his biological mother, Lue Virginia Manley of Philadelphia; siblings Andrew Lewis of Goldsboro, NC; Alease Hargrove of Goldsboro, NC; Thelma Sanders (Lorenzo) of Warsaw, NC; Catherine McCoy (Timothy) of Charlotte, NC; Edna White of Goldsboro, NC; Cliffonza Smith (Milford) of Raleigh, NC; Levonzia Royal of Raleigh, NC; Cindy Royal of Mount Olive, NC; Cecil Royal of Charlotte NC; Ricky Rawls of Chicago; Mark Dixon of Philadelphia; Regina JeanBaptiste of Houston, Texas and Brother-In-Law Sheldon Harris of Henderson, NC. He is also survived by two uncles, Samuel Manley of Philadelphia and John Manley of Connecticut, and one aunt, Laverne Gwathmey of Hanover, Virginia, as well as a host of nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Bernice Harris Baylor; parents Leon and Ernestine Baylor; brother David Manley; and sister Gloria Royal.

Arthur Leon Baylor

July 27, 1952 - September 20, 2024