I Am Jackson: Bob Arrington

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Bob Arrington

What is your hometown?

My early years were in Milan. My father worked in Jackson and commuted for 16 years. In 1970, we moved to Jackson where I started my sophomore year at Jackson-Central Merry, graduating in 1974. 

What is your profession?

I am the Founder/Owner and President of Arrington Funeral Directors and Crematory. I am a Funeral Director/Embalmer, Certified Crematory Operator, and a licensed Advance Funeral Planner. I became interested in funeral service at the age of 7 after my grandmother died. Our neighbor, Ralph Jones, owned the funeral home in Milan across the street from my elementary school. After school, I walked across the street and rode home with Ralph. My parents were concerned due to the time spent at the funeral home and took me to a counselor. My mother was told that I “would grow out of it” which in my case, never happened.  After moving to Jackson, I worked for a local funeral home downtown before attending college. In the 1990s I saw the need for a funeral home on the north side of town and opened Arrington Funeral Directors in 1995.

Where have you volunteered or contributed your time in efforts to give back?
I serve as past president of Tennessee Funeral Directors Association and Tennessee State Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers. Nationally, I was president of the National Funeral Directors Association and am the only Tennessean to hold that title and was chairman for 2 terms for the Funeral Service Foundation. I am in my 11th year as a board member of the National Museum of Funeral History in Houston, TX. Locally, I was secretary of the Jackson Country Club for over 20 years. I am a member of the Old Hickory Rotary Club, vice-chairman of the Greater Jackson Chamber Board of Directors, co-chair of Friends of Heart, and on the Ethics Committee for the Jackson-Madison County School System.

What are some of your favorite things about Jackson?
The people – they are dedicated and committed to this community. Jackson’s location on the corner of I-40 and US Highway 45 is unique. The growth opportunities in the next 2–5 years are beyond comprehension.

Three words that best describe you:

Visionary. Passionate. Thankful.

What is one thing you do not go a day without?

Coffee, iced tea, and wet kisses from our dog, Gracie.

I Am Jackson because…

I want Jackson to be visionary and strategic. I have always, and will be, FOR Jackson in all ways possible to make Jackson better. It is going to take a team effort to accomplish all of the opportunities before us, and no doubt it will take vision and change. Our community is ready to take Jackson to the next level, and I look forward to seeing it happen!