VIRGINIA BEACH- Gary “Arch” Thomas Archibald, 66, passed away after a short courageous battle with cancer on March 25, 2016. He was born in Bound Brook, NJ to the late Tom and Ruth Archibald. He graduated from Watchung High School in 1967. After graduating he attended UVA on an academic Scholarship and joined the Sigma Pi Fraternity and ROTC. He graduated in 1972 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Nuclear Engineering.
Arch entered flight training in 1972 in Pensacola where he received his Navy Wings of Gold. Following flight training, Arch joined his first fighter squadron, the “World Famous Red Rippers” of VF11 where he proceeded to make 2 Mediterranean Cruises. After spending close to 14 years flying for the Navy, Gary went into the commercial airline field, retiring from US Airways in May 2014.
Gary enjoyed being with his family, watching UVA sports, riding his bike, kayaking, listening to music, and meeting with his breakfast group, “R.O.M.E.O.” But most of all, he loved to walk his dog, Hurley, and spend time with his grandson.
Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 40 years, Penny; daughter, Kelly Dudley (Jeff); son, Jeff Archibald; grandson, John Ryder Dudley; extended families, the Hutchinson’s; the Smith’s and the Dudley’s and other loving family and friends.
A memorial service with Military Honors will be held on Friday, April 1, 2016 at 11 am at Community United Methodist Church, 1072 Old Kempsville Rd, Virginia Beach, 23464. A reception will immediately follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice. Please visit his Book of Memories at www.grahamfuneralhome.com where you may leave a note to the family.