Henry Roosevelt Arms

Funeral Service: Friday 07/22/16 at 11 am at Luyben Dilday Mortuary; 5161 E. Arbor Road, Long Beach, CA 90808. (562) 425-6401

Henry Roosevelt Arms was born on July 19, 1933 in Houston, TX and was the only child of Emma Wheaton and Jack Arms. Henry had an older brother named Clarence “Chicken” Atkins. Young Henry’s (a.k.a Bo) early childhood years were spent in Houston, TX where he attended Roosevelt Elementary School. The family later migrated to Oakland, CA. During his matriculation at Herbert Hoover Middle School and Oakland Technical High; Henry grew a love for sports, and enjoyed running track, playing basketball and football. After graduating from high school in 1951, he later went on to San Francisco City College where he played basketball. After leaving San Francisco City College, Henry served a short term in the Air Force.
Los Angeles, CA is where Henry would plant his roots and ultimately begin to build his family. In 1958 he married Willistine Banks. Henry married Pamela Duncan in 1978. Henry has 8 children - Deidre, Darrell, Derek, Andrea, Brian, Tiffany, Nicole and Stephanie. He also
leaves behind 6 grandchildren, Derek Jr., Quincy, Devon, Dillon, Cameron, and Victoria.
Henry was a hardworking father, who worked for the Universal Car Loading Company for 28 years. He also worked at the Los Angeles Housing Authority for 15 years where he retired in 1996. Henry enjoyed watching and playing sports with his children and grandchildren. Basketball was by far his favorite sport, and he coached his sons’ basketball league at Robertson Park in Los Angeles. Henry was also an avid Lakers fan.
His captivating charm was expressed the moment you met him. Always a gracious host, Henry always made you feel welcomed in his home. Some of his favorite past times included dancing the Cha-Cha, listening to live music (Jazz and R&B) and playing cards with his friends.
In 2009, Henry was diagnosed with Dementia. The final years of his life were spent battling this illness, and over a seven year period, he showed tremendous strength, will, and grace. Henry Arms passed away at Noon on July 18, 2016. He leaves behind him a wealth of family, friends and caregivers. We will truly miss his dynamic spirit.
Luyben Dilday Mortuary