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Arthur Lee Box, 80, of Afton, Oklahoma, passed away Saturday, January 3, 2026, at home with his loving family by his side.
Art was born July 10, 1945, in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, to Mr. Bride Franklin Box and Mrs. Nannie Myrtle Garrison-Box. Art was a graduate of Tahlequah High School in 1963. In September 1962, Art joined the United States Army National Guard, serving through September 1970, honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant in the Military Police.
Art went on to successful careers including CE Natco and Sooner Marine Supply. As a businessman, Art began AL Box Construction and worked with banks in Tulsa refurbishing foreclosed homes for resale and remodeling and building hotels in Branson, Missouri and Eureka Springs, Arkansas.
On July 17, 1982, Art married the love of his life June Gilliam. Together they raised children Deborah, Roger, Jay, and Marc. In April of 1992, they moved full-time to Grand Lake of the Cherokees after being weekenders for years. They continued operating AL Box Construction and purchased Jade Estates I overlooking Duck Creek, building several homes before purchasing 10 additional acres to develop Jade Estates II. In 1996, they built Pine Lodge, a well-known and loved resort community with an old-fashioned family oriented theme. Pine Lodge grew to include 10 custom built cabins, numerous RV lots, and 18 mobiles. They continue to host visitors from around the world and hold an annual Winter Wonderland Christmas Light Display that features thousands of lights throughout the resort. In all, AL Box Construction developed 40 acres overlooking Duck Creek. In 2017, Art purchased Great Plaines Aviation and operated it through 2024, the same year they retired from Pine Lodge. From 2004 to 2024, Art was actively involved in the economic growth and promotion of Grand Lake serving with the Grand Lake Association, South Grand Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, and the South Grand Lake Regional Airport. He and June received numerous awards including the Grand Lake Legends Award in 2010 and the Red Bud Award of Outstanding Accommodations from the Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department in 2012. The award Art was most proud of was the 2024 Barbara Conner Award for he and June’s continued support of the Grand Lake community, along with their sons Jay and Marc.
Art enjoyed telling stories of his childhood in Tahlequah, the youngest of 11 kids; his memory was sharp and he had plenty to tell. He also enjoyed boating, fishing, flying, and restoring antique boats, cars, and traveling with June in their RV. The family likes to say that Art got to do everything he wanted to do in life except own a helicopter. They jokingly add it would have to be a one-seater because none of them were going up with him! He will always be remembered for his jovial personality and smile.
Preceding him in death were his parents, 4 brothers, and 4 sisters.
Art is survived by his wife Dorothy June of the home, son Roger Box, daughter Deborah & husband Craig LaGrone, their children Jaxon & Halo, son Jay Box, son Marc Box & wife Brittany, and their son Thomas, sister Paula & her husband Granville Sissom, sister Clara & husband George Shipman and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation for Arthur Lee Box will be held at Burckhalter-Highsmith Funeral Home, 201 N Wilson, in Vinita, Oklahoma, on Friday evening, January 9, from 6pm and 8pm. The Celebration of Life will be at Church on The Lake, 449599 E Hwy 85, Ketchum, Oklahoma, on Saturday, January 10, at 10am, with Ray Claggett officiating. Internment will follow at the Ketchum Cemetery. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.highsmithfh.com or on the funeral home Facebook page. Local arrangements are in the care of the Burckhalter-Highsmith Funeral and Cremation Services of Vinita. “Vinita’s only locally family owned and operated funeral home.”
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