Arthur Russell Christian, III

ARTHUR RUSSELL CHRISTIAN, III

At last, no more pain, no more suffering - just eternal joy and happiness. Arthur Russell Christian, III, affectionately known as “BOSS HOGG” and also as “BIG A”, made his transition to be with the LORD, April 1, 2020. Arthur III was born August 3, 1939 in a (holy) spirit-filled house to the late Elizabeth Murdock Christian and Arthur Russell Christian, Jr. He was the first grandson of the late Bishop Arthur Russell Christian, Sr. and the Rev. Lillian W. Christian, (founder of the Women’s Convention Home and Foreign Mission of the King’s Apostles Churches and the Holiness Minister Wives and Widows Council of Greater Washington). Arthur III accepted Christ at an early age, baptized at the Holy Trinity Church of King’s Apostles of Washington, DC. Arthur III was educated in the District of Columbia Public Schools and excelled as a football player. After graduating from Armstrong Senior High school, Arthur III enlisted in the U.S. NAVY and served on the USS Robinson. After being honorably discharged, Arthur III started his career with GSA as an Electrical Engineer until retirement on December 30, 1994. In addition to his full-time job with GSA, he held several part-time jobs as a limo driver, house painter, and working the gate at RFK Stadium. Arthur III was a family man in which family has always been the center of his life. He started his own family when he married Ann William of Washington, DC and of that union his daughter, Penny, was born. Ann and Arthur III met during their youth and remained good friends. In May 1966, he married his devoted wife and partner Johnnie Jackson and from this union his “look-a-like, talk-a-like” son, Arthur Russell Christian, IV, was born. Arthur III enjoyed life to the fullest and was full of humor, always cracking jokes on his relatives and friends (of course in good taste (most of the time)). He loved all kind of sports. He kept up with college basketball and Washington Redskins football the most. During his spare time, he was a star bowler and enjoyed riding motorcycles. Arthur III had a true love and passion for gospel music. During his short time in the Navy, he sang with an R&B group. After leaving the Navy, you could see him singing with his sister Gwendolyn, and brothers Minor and David in a group named by their grandmother “The Christian Four”. In addition, he sang with The Trinity Echo’s, The Radio Gospel Choir, The Voices of Greater Mt. Calvary and with Donald Vails & The Salvation Corporation where he was one of the members singing on the 1985 released album “UNTIL THE RAPTURE” (and again on the recorded live album in 1987). To cherish his loving memories, Arthur III leaves his wife, Johnnie; daughter, Penny Juanita; son, Arthur Russell Christian, IV; three brothers Minor (Linda), David (Margie) and Winston (Val); one loving sister, Gwendolyn Christian-Reese; six grandchildren Melvin, Ashley and Dwight Stevens; Arthur Russell Christian, V, Kayla and Aleisha Christian; four great-grandchildren Braylon, Dynver, Zoie and Donavyn; two god-daughters T