Arland W. Eyl

Arland W. Eyl, 99, of Myrtle Beach, SC passed away Monday, January 3, 2022.  Born May 10, 1922 in Battle Creek, Nebraska, he was a son of the late Otto and Hattie (Oetting) Eyl. At the age of 10, his family lost their farm, which was during the Great Depression. The family continued to farm land, which they rented. Arland left his home in 1940 to join the navy. He was assigned to the Naval Air Station in Jacksonville, Florida. This is where he met the love of his life, Virginia (Anthony) Eyl who was his bride of 70 years. They were married and had six children. After working as a wholesale hardware salesman, Arland was called to the ministry in 1966. Arland moved his family to New Orleans, Louisiana to attend seminary. He continued to serve in the ministry until his retirement.

Arland and Virginia moved to Myrtle Beach in 2005. During his time in Myrtle Beach, Arland embraced his role as a WW II veteran. He had the privilege of participating in two Honor Flights. He was most often seen wearing his WW II veteran cap. As one of few remaining WW II veterans, Arland enjoyed many conversations, which were prompted by this cap. Arland was an active member of Socastee Baptist Church, assisting in the growth of Sunday School.

In recent years, Arland was often asked “What’s the secret to living so long?” His response was the Lord, his good genes from his mother, and Virginia assuring they lived a healthy lifestyle. His 99th birthday was celebrated with a parade of his friends with local weatherman, Ed Piotrowski as the Grand Marshal.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Virginia (Anthony) Eyl in 2013, an infant daughter, Suzanne in 1945, and daughter, Kandys Zeigler in 2017.

Arland is survived by son, Arland Eyl, Jr. and his wife Brenda; Clarke Eyl and his life partner Darryl Hardy; Shelton Eyl and his wife Beverley; Kevin Eyl and his wife Marlou. He is also survived by his sister, Shirley Walkenhorst of Colorado. In addition, he is survived by his grandchildren Christopher Eyl, Jennifer Eyl, and their mother Kathie Eyl; Adam Zeigler and Amanda Campbell; Brad Hardy and Blake Hardy; Briah Eyl and Zephrey Eyl; Dominique Eyl and Juliette Eyl.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff of St. Gabriel at Prince Creek for their loving support and care during his four years as a resident.

Visitation will be Tuesday, January 11, 2022 from 2:00 - 4:00 PM at McMillan-Small Funeral Home.  Military Honors for Arland will be during visitation at the funeral home. The family request that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?sc_icid=header-btn-donate-now

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