Arlie Preston Stalvey

Arlie Preston Stalvey, (Retired USAF SMSgt) 82, of Orlando, Florida, passed away February 2, 2014. He was born on November 12, 1931 in Valdosta, GA.

Sgt. Stalvey had an outstanding military career, having received many accolades for his distinguished service during his 21+ years. His military career took him from a farm in Georgia to travels all over the world. He served in many positions as a firefighter, but favored his time as a helicopter Air Rescue Firefighter. Of his many rescue missions one of his proudest accomplishments was while stationed in Southeast Asia. He and his fire crew played a key role in saving from complete destruction, Chiengmai, the ancient former capital city of Thailand. For this service he received a letter of thank you from his Majesty, the King of Thailand. Under his leadership and directions he received many letters of recommendations and commendations, along with the medals that accompanied them for his outstanding performance as a firefighter and also as a leader. One of his most cherished military emblems is the Winged S for rescue; which is awarded for having participated in a successful lifesaving rescue in a Sikorsky H43 Helicopter. Throughout his military career he was regarded with much respect and admiration. Upon his retirement in 1972 he was serving as Acting Fire Chief at Lowery AFB in Denver, Colorado. After retirement he attended a Hotel Motel Management School, and ran a successful lawn service with his son Bobby. He was a member of the American Legion Post 286.

He enjoyed his newspaper which he read every article along with his coffee every morning. There was not a sport that he didn't like. He could name key players on every team along with their coach. Usually you would find him with two televisions on at the same time watching two different sports. He loved to fish and bream was his favorite. He and his wife of 61 years loved traveling with her brother Jack and sister-in-law Helen. Their travels took them to Germany, Austria, and Hawaii, as well as many local trips which included the occasional cruise, and a yearly jaunt to New Orleans for Mardi Gras.

Look in any pocket of any jacket or pants of his and you are sure to find not one but many peppermint candies. He never could pass up anything sweet, especially Margaret's homemade coconut cake.

Arlie was preceded in death by his son, Roger, his parents, John and Ellen along with his 5 older brothers and 6 older sisters. He is survived by his loving wife, Letty Jane, and children, Bobby, Brenda (Johnny), Larry (Janice), Michael (Jane) Ronnie (Suzanne), Jean Marie and grandchildren Jason (Tara), Samantha, Jarrett, Sydney, Brett, Emma and a host of nieces, nephews.

Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.