Arthur Willard Obee, 90, of Wilmington, peacefully departed this life Thursday, August 1, 2013 at his home.

Mr. Obee was born July 28, 1923 in New Orleans, La. to the late Arthur and Laurine Obee.

"Obee," as he was known to many, was one of the proud Montford Point Marines. He retired from the Marine Corps in January, 1964 after 19-1/2 years of service. Obee received the Congressional Gold Medal presented by President Obama to the Montford Point Marines on June 27, 2012. He was later employed for many years with Fort Fisher Air Force Base. Obee received his spiritual nurturance for years, until declining health, at St. Stephens A.M.E. Church, 5th and Red Cross Streets, Wilmington, NC.

Arthur W. Obee is survived by his devoted wife, Ernestine Moore Obee of the home; his daughter, Alicia Obee Wyche (John) of Pensacola, FL; his son, Arthur Moore Obee, Sr., of Fayetteville, NC; five grandchildren; John H. Whyce, II, Arthur Obee, Jr., Megan Obee, Omar Obee and Naomi Obee; and a host of other relatives, military and fraternal friends.

Visitation with Masonic Rites will be held 6 to 8 p.m. today, August 5, 2013 at Dunn Funeral Home Chapel, Burgaw. The final viewing will be 12 noon to 2 p.m. Tuesday, August 6, 2013 at St. Stephens A.M.E. Church, with the funeral service beginning at 2 p.m. Entombment will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations in Mr. Obee's memory to Liberty Home Care and Hospice, 2334 S. 41st Street, Wilmington, NC 28403. Those desiring to send flowers may send potted plants in "Obee's" memory.