Arthur Jerome Salenger

Arthur J. Salenger, 91, of Augusta, Georgia, passed away on June 16, 2023, yet his benevolence to everyone and proclivity towards supporting his family will forever be remembered by those fortunate enough to know him.

Arthur Jerome Salenger was born on February 20, 1932, to Sam and Bessie Salenger in Brooklyn, New York. As an avid Brooklyn Dodgers fan growing up, Arthur and his friends spent some of their fondest childhood memories gathering for Dodgers games at Ebbits Field or playing Stickball in his town of Kings Highway. Yet, Arthur’s benevolent inclination and youthfulness never deterred him from helping his father at work, and he often allocated much of his time towards apprenticing his father on construction jobs.

But as the Korean War loomed, Arthur eventually found himself serving the United States Army overseas. Arthur would earn the rank of Sergeant during his tenure in the Army, and for Arthur's valiant efforts and heroic achievements, he was awarded The Bronze Star Medal and The Purple Heart.

Shortly after Arthur’s military service, he married the love of his life, Ellen. In his last few months with us, Arthur stated, “For [Ellen], I will go wherever she pleases, because her happiness is my happiness.” His love for Ellen soon evolved into love for a family of four, as Arthur and Ellen would have two remarkable daughters, Tracy Barefield and Susie Smith. They raised their daughters in Margate, Florida, with Arthur running a sewing shop fittingly named Sunshine Fabrics.

Arthur and Ellen would go on to spend their years after retirement in Ocala, Florida, and Augusta, Georgia. Every room in Arthur’s home had a crossword puzzle, and yet he never came across a puzzle he could not solve. Nevertheless, crossword puzzles would always be second to his grandchildren. His propensity to unconditionally care emanated in his love for Sam Smith, James Barefield, and Jacob Barefield, and no three grandchildren have ever been so fortunate to have a mentor, grandfather, and friend like Arthur.

Before Arthur’s passing, he was able to meet his great grandchild, C.J. Barefield; and if you could encapsulate the feeling of joy in one moment, it would be Arthur’s first time laying eyes on C.J. Arthur’s eyes told one story, and his smile told another. As he laid eyes on his first great grandchild, he implicitly told us all to love as if tomorrow is not given. But as he looked up and smiled at his grandson and father of C.J., James Barefield, he implicitly thanked us for all the love he’d been given. His charisma displayed his gratitude for always allowing him to be the best father he could be. He quietly assured us, with a grin etched in all our hearts, that even if tomorrow is not given, it was worth everything to live today.

Arthur is predeceased by his father, Sam Salenger; mother, Bessie Salenger; sisters, Lily and Rose; brother, Sidney Salenger; and son-in-law, Mickey Barefield. He is survived by his wife, Ellen Salenger; daughters, Tracy Barefield and Susie Smith; son-in-law, Doug Smith; grandchildren, James Barefield, Jacob Barefield, and Sam Smith; granddaughter-in-law, Tawny Barefield; and great grandchild, Carlyle James Barefield.