Arthur Daugherty

Arthur Clay Daugherty was born in Grassy Lick, Kentucky, in 1929 to Dave Henry and Mary Lee Daugherty. Arthur grew up on a farm where his family raised tobacco. He had a passion for farming crops and gardening, and learned almost everything there is to know about agriculture. He attended W.E.B. Dubois High School where he played center on the boys basketball team. He received a scholarship to play basketball for Kentucky State University, unfortunately, the Korean War had begun, and he was drafted into the Army.

Arthur entered into the Army in 1951during the Korean War. He served as a tank commander training recruits in the extreme cold temperatures in Minnesota at Fort McCoy, and the extremely hot temperatures at Fort Irwin in the Mojave Desert in California. Arthur was honorably discharged in 1953. Over the next several years, after Arthur returned home to Kentucky, he began farming tobacco. In 1955, Arthur re-enlisted in the Army Reserves. In early April 1959, Arthur was sent to the desserts of California again to conduct tank training for the upcoming Vietnam War. He served there until August and was honorably discharged In October of 1959. 

Arthur married Helen Bernice Duncan on January 3, 1959. They lived on the Oldham Family Farm with Helen’s family for several years while Arthur continued farming, until they moved to Dayton, Ohio. Once they moved to Dayton, Arthur began working at the Pine Club and BG Danis. He began a job with Bendix Corporation as a janitor and was quickly promoted to the production line producing automotive brake shoes and systems. After taking classes in automation, robotics, and motor controls, Arthur was promoted to the automation division, where he began his career in robotics, inspecting, calibrating and measuring instruments. He retired from Bendix after working there for over 30 years. However, he didn’t retire from working, he continued working at the Dukes Club cooking, which was his passion. He also worked part-time for Compunet, Chase and PNC Bank, and Burlington Coat Factory, supervising a crew of janitors until the age of 86.

Being a hard worker all his life, Arthur worked his main job at Bendix, and 1 or 2 part-time jobs. As a result of his part-time job at the Pine Club, Arthur was introduced to philanthropist Harold Shaw and was hired to be his landscaper and vehicle transporter. He enjoyed driving Mr. Shaws expensive cars to the families vacation homes all over the United States. Often, Arthur would fly with Mr. Shaw in his private plane.

Arthur grew up attending Keas Methodist Church in Mt. Sterling, Kentucky. In 1975, he joined Summit Christian Church. He served as a Deacon and as the President over the Deacons. He was a member of the Christian Men’s Fellowship, and also served as it’s president. He served as an Elder, President over the Elders, and as an Elder Emeritus. Arthur looked forward every year to Men’s Day and serving breakfast on Easter morning after sunrise service.

Arthur followed his older brothers and joined the Duke’s and Duchess Club of Dayton. When the Dukes club decided to open a restaurant, Arthur and his business partners had a very successful establishment. He loved to cook and it was evident. If you ever had his chicken wings, you were blessed!

Arthur loved life and his family - especially his grandchildren! He believed in making an honest living and providing for his family. It was his goal to make sure his family never went without. Arthur didn’t retire until the age of 86. He believed in keeping your body moving. To him, age was just a number.

Arthur was preceded in death by his loving wife, Helen B. (Duncan) Daugherty, parents, Dave and Mary Lee Daugherty, daughter, Dr. Paula Gene Daugherty, son, James Groves, sister, Mary Florence Norris, and brothers Frank and William Daugherty. 

He leaves to cherish his memory, Son Anthony (Kim) Daugherty, daughters, Regina (David) Houston, Angeline (Jonathan) Washington, Grandchildren Raven, Philip and Jade Daugherty, Amari Jordan, Eden, Johanna, Jonathan Jr., and Josiah Washington, Rashad, Darren, and Jalla Groves. 17 Great Grandchildren, nieces and nephews, Rose Anderson, Wanda Mason, Wendell (Shirley) Jones, Jerry (Wanda) Jones Sr., Michael and Donny Cortner, a host of great nieces and nephews, Special daughter and home health aide, Cassaundra Dee Ford, special friends, Natalie and Jack Smith, and a host of loving family and friends.
 

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