Anderson - Arthur H. "Artie" Spitz, 97, of Anderson, SC, passed away today at Marchbanks Memory Care Facility.
Artie was born on February 11, 1916 in West New York, NJ to Herman and Florence Spitz. His siblings were Robert Edward Spitz and Helen Marie Spitz Drummond. Artie married Jewel Elizabeth Sawyer of Johnston, SC in May of 1942.
Artie graduated from the University of South Carolina in 1941. While at the University of South Carolina, he was on the track team and was captain of the Fencing Team. He continued his education at the Southern College of Optometry in 1947, At the Southern College, he earned a Doctors degree and was the President of the senior class. While at the Southern College, Artie received the L.A. Farmer Memorial Award given to the most promising student. He served in both the United States Army and the Medical Division of the Merchant Marines during World War II. In 1961, he received the Chamber of Commerce Community Development Award. He served as President of the Anderson Lions Club in 1969, Master Mason with Hiram Lodge #68, President of the South Carolina Optometry Association in 1971 and was the South Carolina Optometrist of the Year in 1972. He was one of the founders of the Western Carolina Sailing Club and became a lifetime charter member.
Artie lived his entire business life in Anderson, SC. He was the founder of the EyeCare Center with offices over the years in Anderson, Honea Path, Williamston, Powdersville and Seneca. Artie was a Charter Member and on the Board of Directors in establishing the Boulevard Baptist Church. He later became a member of the Central Presbyterian Church in Anderson.
Artie was an avid sailor, tennis player, gardener and a much loved bridge player.
Artie was survived by his daughter, Anne Spitz Holliman and her husband, Michael of Anderson; grandson, Brenton Hayes Clark and his wife, Crystal and their children, Caden and Mia all of Lexington, SC; grandson, Jason Bryan Holliman and his wife, Brittney and their children, Ashton and Everett all of Marietta, GA.
Artie's son, Thomas Lewis Spitz; granddaughters, Elizabeth Sawyer Spitz and Caroline Arrington Spitz Lawrimore and her husband, Hunter and their children, James and Harrison all of Charleston, SC.
Also surviving are special friends Dr. James Bleckley, Keith and Brenda Smith and the Staff of Marchbanks Memory Care Facility, especially Eric Hill and Sadie.
Artie was preceded in death by his wife, Jewel Spitz in December 2001 after 59 years of marriage; son, William Arthur Spitz in July of 1987, brother, Robert Spitz in December 2000 and sister, Helen Spitz Drummond in October 1999.
A graveside service will be held Tuesday at 12:30p.m. at Forest Lawn Memorial Park with Dr. David Bailey and Rev. Beryl Rosenberger officiating. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 10:30 til 12p.m. at Sullivan-King Mortuary, 3205 Hwy 81 N.
The family is at the home of the daughter, 905 Meadow Lane, Anderson.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Central Presbyterian Church, 1404 N. Boulevard, Anderson, SC 29621 or Lutheran Hospice, 429 N. Main St. Suite 3, Greenville, SC 29601.
Sullivan-King Mortuary www.sullivanking.com