AMERICUS — Arcenio Wilson Lopez, 71, died Thursday, May 17, 2018, at home in Americus after a long fight with Alzheimer’s disease.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date.

He leaves his wife and partner of 23 years, Mary Margaret (Campbell) Lopez; an ex-wife, Esther Silva; a son, Jamie Toscani, his wife Brena, and three grandchildren, Angelina, Lexas, and Jericho; an ex-wife, Amanda Gabriella (Gibson) Lopez and a son, John Lopez; two brothers: Preston Lopez and Roy Lopez; and three sisters: Amanda Lopez, Naomi Lopez, and Magda Lopez. Mr. Lopez was born in Trujillo, Peru. His parents were Jose Lopez and Regina Vasquez Lopez. He went to public schools and graduated from the Universidad Nacional de Trujillo. He taught Spanish grammar and literature in Huancayo, Peru. He came to the United States and worked several years in the textile industry in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Gastonia, North Carolina. After receiving his master’s degree in human growth and development from the University of North Carolina, he taught school in Tennessee and worked for HBG Enterprises, a franchisee of Taco Bell as a management consultant and a human resources and training director. He moved to Georgia and was a Spanish instructor, a guidance counselor, and associate principal at Terrell Middle School in Dawson. He also received his sixth-year degree from Troy State University. He spent one year as assistant principal in Stewart County. After retirement, he enjoyed visiting his children and grandchildren, gardening, and traveling.

His main philosophy in life which he often communicated to his students, the teachers he supervised, and his family was “never give up.”

Memorial contribution may be made to the Sumter Humane Society, 108 Industrial Blvd., Americus GA 31719 or to the Harvest of Hope Food Pantry, P.O. Box 6111, Americus GA 31709.

You may sign the online guest book and share your own special thoughts and memories by visiting www.greghancockfuneralchapel.com.

Greg Hancock Funeral Chapel is in charge of these arrangements.