Mac Arthur, 88, of Christian County, died at 7:30 a.m. Monday, May 20, at Bradford Heights Nursing & Rehab Center.

A native of Middlesboro, Kentucky, he earned his bachelor’s degree in music from Western Kentucky University and his master’s degree in education from the University of Kentucky. In 1966, he became the band director for Hopkinsvile High School and Hopkinsville Middle School. He also oversaw the high school’s choir. In 1969, he became principal of Hopkinsville High School, serving in that role during the merger of the city and county school systems.

In 1974, he and his wife, Catherine, purchased Young Hardware on Sixth Street. He not only operated the hardware store, but also bought and renovated other buildings on Sixth Street as they became available. In 2018, due to failing health, he closed Young Hardware and sold the building, which is today the site of The Mixer restaurant. Soon after the hardware store closed, the landscaped parking lot on Sixth Street was named Arthur Plaza in recognition of Mac and Catherine’s investments on the block that led to one of downtown Hopkinsville’s most significant revitalization projects.

Private services will be held at a later date. Dogwood Funerals & Cremations of Hopkinsville is assisting in the arrangements. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Christian County Animal Shelter or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.