J.B. Arrington

J.B. Arrington, 100, of Orange, Texas, passed away on February 3, 2026, at Harbor Hospice Hospital in Beaumont, surrounded by family.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Friday, February 6, 2026, at Old First Orange Baptist Church in Orange. Officiating will be Reverend David Valleau and Reverend Jeff Bell. Burial will follow at Dorman Cemetery in Orange.

Visitation will begin prior to the service at 1:00 p.m., Friday, February 6, 2026, at Old First Orange Baptist Church in Orange.

Born in Orangefield, Texas, on May 13, 1925, he was the son of Jennings Bryan Arrington, Sr., and Maggie (LaFleur) Arrington. J.B. was known for his vibrant personality and many accomplishments. He was a proud veteran of the United States Navy and served during World War II. J.B. dedicated a total of 27 years of his life as an Agriculture Teacher at Navarro Junior College in Corsicana and Stark High School in Orange, sharing his knowledge and passion for farming with countless students. He was also the owner of J.B.’s Barbeque, which he built and ran for over 50 years, serving delicious meals and bringing joy to many in the community. He cherished working with his cows and enjoyed fishing in his spare time. J.B. had a great sense of humor and loved to share tales, often engaging those around him with his stories. His passion for writing was evident, and he always fancied himself as a writer. Family meant everything to J.B. He was a deeply religious man who loved spending time with his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even great-great-grandchildren. One of his main goals in life was to make people “THINK” and engage with the world around them. J.B. was also active in his community, being a lifetime member of the Old First Orange Baptist Church and a member of the Masonic Lodge for over 73 years. He contributed further by being part of The Jaycees and serving as a Supervisor on the Drainage Board. He will be remembered not only for his contributions to the community and family, but also for his infectious spirit and the love he shared with everyone around him. J.B. Arrington's legacy will live on in the hearts of many.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Maggie and Jennings Arrington, Sr.; children, Robert Kirk Arrington and Susan Jane Arrington; sister, Betty Lou Smith and her husband, Roy Smith.

He is survived by his loving wife of 77 years, Mary K. Arrington; daughter, Jenny Kay Lowry and husband, Dan Lowry, and Betty Mathews and husband, Joseph Jay Mathews; grandchildren, Jessica Nugent and husband, Raymond, Joanna Sanford, Bryan Mathews and wife, Lisa, Justin Arrington and wife, Tracy, Gerard Arrington and wife, Kristen, and Zack Arrington and wife, Michelle; great grandchildren, Devon Hill and husband, Brett, Lara Brisendine and husband, Jesse, Delilah Dorroh, Julian Mathews, Christian Mathews, Madeline Mathews, Sadie Arrington, Abigail Arrington, Adrienne Mathews, and Heston Arrington; great great grandchildren, Crispin Bohannon, Jason Brisendine, Hinley Hill, Maelie Hill, and Jensen (J.J.) Hill; niece, Linda Dudensing; nephew, Bubba Smith; and numerous other loving family and friends.

Serving as pallbearers will be Zack Arrington, Gerard Arrington, Julian Mathews, Craig McCabe, Chip Heslep, and Mike Whitt. Honorary pallbearers are David LeBlanc, Bob Hymes, Bryan Mathews, Heston Arrington, Justin Arrington, Christian Mathews, and Mike Sasser.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Shriners Children’s Hospital at: https://donate.shrinerschildrens.org/.