Rev. Arden Curtiss “A.C.” Myers, peacefully entered into the presence of God on January 10, 2024, at his home in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida at the age of 70. He was born on November 5, 1953, in Louisville, Kentucky, as the beloved youngest child of his late parents, Arden Charles and Ina Belle Myers. A.C. is preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law, Charlie and Sherry Myers; Brother-in-law, Gary Caruthers; Nephew, Keith Jackson; Mother-in-law, Frances Rothenberg; Former-in-laws, Herbert and Polly Bowdoin, who helped lead him in faith and in ministry; Fur babies, Brantley, Lexie, and Darby.
A.C. is survived by and will be remembered as a loving husband to his cherished wife, Leslie Rothenberg Myers, with whom he shared 15 beautiful years of unconditional love. He took great pride in his role as a devoted father to his only daughter, Shea Freeman, and son-in-law, Justin Freeman who he spent the last 19 years loving as his own. A.C. always had a mischievous spirit and when he would get together with his grandson, Charlie Curtis, who referred to him affectionately as Poppie, there was no telling what those two would get into. He is also survived by his brother, James Ray Myers (Glenda) of Albuquerque, New Mexico; His sister, Betty Myers Jackson Caruthers of Buckeye, Arizona; His father-in-law, Richard Rothenberg (Girlfriend, Sylvie) of Longboat Key, Florida; Brother-in-law, Gary Rothenberg (Angel) of Waynesboro, Georgia; Brother-in-law Scott Rothenberg (Teresa) of Belmont, North Carolina; Beloved nieces and nephews, Scott Myers (Laurel), Shannon Willis, Jeremy Myers (Kara), Russell Myers (Sherri), Brent Rothenberg, Courtney Hunt (Mitchell), Amanda Richardson (Caleb), Matthew Rothenberg, Jackson Rothenberg; Former spouse and mother to their daughter Shea, Jan Bowdoin Sutton (Steve) of Interlachen, Florida. Along with other cherished family and dear friends.
Throughout his life, A.C. exemplified qualities of kindness, humor, and faithfulness. A.C. devoted his life to serving others. He originally planned to use his love of history to become a teacher, but you know what they say about God and making plans. A.C. ultimately answered the Lord's calling and he received his Masters of Divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky in 1997 and became a pastor in the United Methodist Church. He began his ministry as the Pastor of Highland United Methodist Church in Tampa, Florida and continued his ministry in Interlachen, Florida after being appointed to the First United Methodist Church of Interlachen, where he became fondly known as Pastor A.C. and served for 18 years until his retirement in 2019. His commitment to his congregations and dedication to sharing his faith will be remembered for years to come.
Beyond his role as a loving family man and minister, A.C. was known for always being the jokester with his quick wit. He would relentlessly tell jokes to anyone who would listen and think they were always his best comedic performance. A.C. was also an avid reader. He was able to read and retain an incredible amount of information that he would share with others; oftentimes leaving them in disbelief and wanting to fact check him, but he was rarely proven wrong. He also had a passion for classic cars, hot rods, and the exhilaration of drag racing. A.C. was a proud member of the National Hot Rod Association Top Eliminator Club and was also a chaplain with Racers for Christ. He spent many years traveling around to different car shows and races, where he could share his enthusiasm for racing. A.C. also appreciated the timeless beauty of old hymns, as well as the golden oldies like The Beach Boys and Elvis Presley.
Quoting a dear family friend, “Metaphorically speaking - no matter what collar A.C. wore, he never thought he was better than anyone else.” A.C. leaves behind a profound legacy of love and devotion that will forever live in the hearts of all that knew him.
Memorial Service
Saturday, January 27th, 11:00 AM
First United Methodist Church of Interlachen
200 E. Boylston Street, Interlachen, Florida 32148
Funeral and Burial Service
Sunday, January 28th, 3:00 PM (This chapel service will be Livestreamed directly below the obituary beginning at approximately 2:50 pm)
Ponte Vedra Valley
4750 Palm Valley Road, Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida 32082
Food and fellowship will follow both services.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Interlachen Methodist Church, 200 E. Boylston Street, Interlachen, Florida 32148, (386) 684-6511.
