William Arbeth Lucas, 82, of Georges Creek, Malden, WV, better known as Bill, Arbie, Billy-Bert or Poppie, raced his way to the pearly gates on November 12, 2025. Born to Paul “Poonie” Lucas and Kathleen “Sissy” Walker, on December 17, 1942, he lived a life full of faith, family and friends. He loved the roar of dirt track racing, a good WV style hot dog, the spirit of Mountaineer Basketball and Football, and a good gospel song. He was a 1961 graduate of DuPont High School where played in the band. He retired after almost three decades of dedicated service as a welder from Industrial Rubber Products Company in Charleston where he made numerous lifetime friends. For years he and Sue enjoyed traveling the area singing with the Messengers for Christ and then the Heavenly Messengers gospel groups. He and Sue enjoyed camping trips with friends John and Donna Ryan and others.

He was an avid supporter of the Lucas family’s dirt track racing team, cheering louder than any V8 engine for his nephew, Ricky “Lu-Lu” Lucas and longtime family friend, Rod “Lightening Rod” Evans. He was notorious for always sneaking a few extra hot dogs trackside.

His love for his Georges Creek Community and Cornerstone Church (formerly Mary Virginia Gospel Tabernacle) was matched only by his devotion to God and his knack for turning a five-minute chat into a two-hour tale. Whether it was swapping stories with friends or sneaking an extra piece of fudge, he lived with zest, those bright blue Lucas eyes and a mischievous grin.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Kathleen; sister Joyce Bass; and brothers Wyatt “Pude” Lucas, Charles Paul Lucas, and Jesse E. “Eddie” Lucas. He leaves behind his loving wife, Sue Ann (Kirk) Lucas; his daughter, Kimberly M. Lucas; son, William Scott Lucas (Niki); and sister, Dreama Kay (Lucas) Jarrell. Poppie’s pride and joy were his 9 grandchildren: Brittanie (Tyler) Starcher, Nickolas (Sarah) Miller, Zachary Hall, Jeremy Hall, Jacob (Sara) Lucas, Madelynn (Gian-Franco) Garcia, Katelyn (Jake) Lucas, Mallory (Hunter) Jenkins, MariAnna (Sheldon) Lucas, Harmony Lucas, and Marleigh-Cate Lucas. He was also blessed with 14 great-grandchildren.

A special thank you to his granddaughter Mallory, who cared for him and Sue over the past year. A thank you to special friends and neighbors Charlie Meek and Billy Dunlap for all the front porch stories shared, coffee drank and the years of help lent anytime needed and without question. Gratitude also goes to Hospice Care of Charleston, Hubbard Hospice House and to Dr. Jack Kinder, whose care let him keep racing through life for his 82 years.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Hospice Care of Charleston, share an Arbie story with someone and raise a hot dog in his honor. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Online condolences may be sent to haferfuneralhome.net

Arrangements are in the care of Hafer Funeral Home, 50 North Pinch Road, Elkview.