Obituary of Arthur Gary Waite
Arthur “Art” Waite peacefully went to meet his maker in the early morning hours of Friday, September 23rd.
He was born to Dan and Estelle Waite (Aga) on October 28th, 1958, in Martinez, CA. He was the youngest of 5 siblings. At an early age, he went to live with his oldest sister Melody and eventually settled in Berry Creek, CA.
Art met the love of his life, Myrlai Long, in January of 1982, at Round Table Pizza in Oroville where he was manager. She came in for a slice and got the whole pie; Art and Myrlai would tie the knot in April of 1984. Settling in Gridley, the pair would raise three wonderful children.
Over his career Art would manage the Oroville, Yuba City and Gridley Round Table Stores.
Art was very athletic and played football in high school. He enjoyed racquetball, dancing, snorkeling, and traveling to new places - he would make a friend out of most everyone he met. He was a talented woodworker, craftsman and had a natural green thumb. He was often found outside working in his garden or shed. He had a passion for golf, fishing, social gatherings, and friends, but his greatest love was his family.
Art was never one to turn down a cold beer or the opportunity to make a friend. In fact, most knew and loved Art for his outgoing personality, warped sense of humor and easy-going nature. He had a huge heart and was always ready to help others, especially his community.
Art was a huge supporter of the youth and schools in the area, not just Gridley. He was always willing to donate food or arrange supplies for school fundraisers and community events. He was a member of the Chamber of Commerce, the Gridley Business Improvement District and played a role in the GIBT Committee and Red Suspenders Day events in Gridley.
Later in life he would discover that his father at birth was not his biological father and would have the opportunity to meet two of his biological siblings and contact this newly discovered branch of his family.
Art was a dutiful husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and more. The world just won’t be the same without Art and he will be greatly missed by those who loved him.
He was preceded in death by his father, Dan Waite, mother Estelle Waite and biological father, Robert Miller. He is survived by his wife, Myrlai Waite (Long), sons Kegan (Courtney), Kyser (Krissie), daughter Clancy Hardin (Christian), grandchildren Cohen Waite, Hayes Waite and Adley Hardin, siblings Melody Hillier (Melvin), Paul Waite (Julie), Carol Small, Danielle Sneeringer (Stephen), Steven Hillier (Marla), Dennis Hillier, John Hillier, Judy Arbini (Bob), Dean Miller (Shirley), Leroy Miller, Leonard Miller, and multiple nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A service will be held Saturday October 1, 2022, at 10:00 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints located at 1259 French Ave., Gridley, CA 95948. A Celebration of Life will follow at 140 Chatfield Ave., Biggs, CA. It is open to all that loved him. There will be a no host bar with proceeds going to benefit ALS research.
In true Art fashion we would like to party in his memory, so please join us. His favorite color was green, so feel free to wear green if you have it available.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that you donate to your favorite ALS Foundation, Alzheimer’s Foundation or to the Shriners. Arrangements entrusted to Gridley-Block Funeral Chapel.