David L. Arp, Jr., an entrepreneur who built a multi-state automotive repair business, passed away peacefully at his home on August 12, 2026, at the age of 79. His legacy includes a significant impact on his family and business endeavors, which extended to real estate development and manufacturing.
Born in Harriman, Tennessee, on December 20, 1946, Mr. Arp met his wife, Catherine, while serving in the Air Force. The couple initially lived in Illinois and Iowa before settling in Florida in 1972, moving to Englewood in 1978, where he developed a passion for Gulf fishing.
Mr. Arp was known for his entrepreneurial spirit, transforming a local business into a multi-state enterprise with 53 ElectroBake and ARPCo automotive body repair and paint facilities. His real estate interests included land development in Lakeland, Florida, coordinating the development of the first Englewood Little League Field House, and helping to save and relocate the Bass Laboratory Cookie House in Englewood. He also revived The Recycled Plastic Factory lumber manufacturing business.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Catherine Arp; his daughter, Cindy Lee Googins, and her husband, Bryan; his son, David Scott Arp, and his wife, Jennifer; and grandchildren Madeleine and Natalie Googins, and Haley and Lucas Arp. Among his surviving family members are his brother-in-law Brian Beisser, and great-nieces and nephews Smith and Scarlett Beisser, all residents of Beaufort, South Carolina.
Mr. Arp was preceded in death by his father, David L. Arp; his mother, Milley Harvey; his sisters, Patricia Henry and Sandra King; and brothers-in-law, Carl Beisser and Glenn Beisser. He was also preceded by nephews John Henry and James (Jimmy) Henry, Jr.
In accordance with his wishes, there will be no funeral or formal celebration of life. The family requests that memorial donations be made to the Tidewell Foundation in his memory.
