"He wished no one a last farewell, or even said goodbye. He had gone before we knew it, and God knows only why. Sincere and kind in heart and mind, what a beautiful memory he left behind."

Surrounded by his family, Arthur Eresta Peoples, a.k.a. "Cricket" was escorted by a host of angels to meet his heavenly father on Sunday, September 28, 2008 after a sudden illness. Born March 29, 1954 to Arthur and Susie Peoples.

A lifelong resident of Winston-Salem, he attended the local schools and graduated from RJ Reynolds High School in 1972. He attended Damascus Missionary Baptist Church. He completed Piedmont Aerospace institute and was a certified aircraft mechanic. He was an employee of Hanes Dye and Finishing Company for 32 years until his layoff three years ago. He then completed Forsyth Technical Community College becoming a Certified Heating air Conditioning Technician.

Known for his big smile and jokes, Cricket enjoyed fishing, hunting, cooking, loving and caring for others.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Ronald Ray Dolby.

Those left to keep his memory alive include his wife, Vernon Nanette Peoples; three sons, Arthur Peoples, Jr., James "JP" Peoples and Vernon Richardson; one sister, Belinda "BJ" Peoples; father and mother-in-law, Tribut and Faye Williamson; seven grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends. Cricket will be missed tremendously.

Funeral services will be held at 12 Noon, Friday, October 3, 2008 at the Russell Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Tribut Williamson officiating. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. Family visitation will be held from 11:30 am until 12 Noon Friday at the funeral home.