Arville Runager, age 97, formerly of Decatur, died April 16, 2018 at his residence in Cullman. His funeral service will be on Thursday, April 19th at 1PM at Peck Funeral Home in Hartselle. Visitation will be held from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm with the service following in the Funeral Home Chapel. Pastor Larry Brown will be officiating and Peck Funeral Home will direct. Burial will be in the Bethel Baptist Church cemetery in Hartselle.
Mr. Runager was born, March 2, 1921 in Caddo Community in Lawrence County. His parents were John Dewitt Runager and Elnora Annerton Runager. He served in the 385th Field Artillery Battalion, U.S. Army during World War II. He received a Purple Heart for wounds received December 17, 1944 during the Battle of the Bulge. After being discharged in 1945, he returned to Decatur and for a while managed the VFW facility when it was located on Second Avenue.
In 1954, he and his wife, Inez Ballew Runager, built the Nitefall Motel on Highway 31 South, in Decatur. They spent their next 30 years operating the motel where they hosted countless visitors to the City. Their hospitality was well known with travelers, always receiving a warm welcome and leaving with pleasant memories of their stay in Decatur. After retiring, he enjoyed playing golf and traveling. He had a sharp wit, an easy smile and friendly manner that endeared him to all that he knew.
He was preceded in death by his wife: Inez Runager, his step-daughter: Carolyn Ann Clemons, his parents, two brothers: Jack Runager and Homer Runager and a sister: Wilman Runager Lentz. He is survived by several nieces and nephews, his caregiver: Dee Smith and his special friend: Ivene Hill.
Family and Friends will serve as pallbearers.
Peck Funeral Home
1600 Hwy 31 SW
