Arthur Necolean McCain lovingly known as “Nicky” and “Micky” by his maternal grandfather, Henry Lide. He was born on October 30, 1964, in Darlington, South Carolina to Eula Lee McCain and Henry McCain. He is the eldest of five children and the first maternal grandchild of eighteen. Arthur’s upbringing commenced in Darlington. Henry and Eula entrusted Arthur’s rearing to his grandparents Maggie and Henry Lide in 1965 until 1970. 

Arthur began his primary education in the Darlington County (Pee Dee Region) school system. Henry and Eula realized their family was incomplete without Arthur. They returned to South Carolina to relocate him to South Jamaica in Queens, New York. While there, Arthur attended Public School 40, Campbells Junior High School, and August Martin High School. Arthur was enamored with  academics with strengths in reading and writing. Also, he was a great conversationalist and speaker. He had a  massive vocabulary; at times you needed a dictionary to keep up with his vernacular. He was accepted and attended St. John’s University and studied law. The Administrator was highly impressed with his high test scores. He had dreams of becoming a lawyer and working in the legal system.

Arthur’s first employment opportunity as a young adult was at McDonald’s located on Jamaica Avenue. He developed his work  ethic and had the opportunity to engage in friendships and         community, one in particular the Powell family of Laurelton, New York. He proceeded to pursue job opportunities in the corporate arena. He was employed by the Legal Aide Society as a paralegal advocating for prisoner rights at Rikers Island Prison.

Arthur's hobbies included basketball, reading, and music. He played basketball in High School and participated in tournaments held in Rego Park, Queens. He played in his local neighborhood in South Jamaica and was known as “The Smiley Brother” who could hoop. As a connoisseur of all music genres, he enjoyed Jazz, especially the saxophonist Najee, who his firstborn was named after. A few artists he enjoyed were Prince, Sade, Loose Ends, and Colonel Abrams. He introduced his younger siblings to his musical taste. He also appreciated gospel music. As a young teen, he sang in the family group “The McCain Singers” which consisted of his Mom, Aunt  Lillie McCain, young siblings, and cousins. He led the song by Willie Neal Johnson and The Gospel Key Notes, “I Decided To Make Jesus My Choice.” He had a rich baritone voice.

Arthur attended church under the tutelage of his Aunt, Evangelist Bobbie Jean Lucas, and Uncle, the late Bishop Ozell N. Lucas. He attended Independent Church which transitioned into Blessing Boulevard Church Of God In Christ Jesus. He received salvation at the tender age of 12 years old. Bishop Lucas tarried and prayed with him until he received the Holy Ghost.

Arthur was wise beyond his years. He filled the shoes as a father figure, and big brother for many years until he parented Najee in 1996 and Naja in 2001 with Lori Demsyn. He adored and loved his children dearly. In the later years of his life, Arthur reconnected with his family in 2021 when he was diagnosed with   colon cancer. The first one Arthur reached out to was his youngest brother, Jamaine. He proceeded to contact his youngest sister elated and said I found Nicky. The family immediately contacted him and rejoiced. The family consistently prayed there would be a reconciliation. After a decade God answered and it was a Prodigal Son moment, Nicky returned and was celebrated. After numerous surgeries, chemo treatments, and rehabilitation, the cancer      regressed and returned aggressively in 2023. During this period, he rededicated his life to Christ with the guidance of Bishop David J. Billings and others. During a family zoom prayer session initiated by Brother Leon Cummings, he gave thanks, prayed, sang, and rejoiced while at Sloan Kettering Hospital. He was so excited to see his family members he said “This made my day and gave me the strength to keep fighting.” He could not wait to reunite with his family and declared he would walk through the doors of Lamont and Dawne’s home.

Lori Demsyn cared for and nurtured Nicky before she relocated to North Carolina. His caregiver during the later period was Brenda Lucas, his cousin and buddy. She spent many hours, weeks, and months caring and standing in the gap in New York. She became his advocate and was divinely assigned to him. Brenda and Jamaine were there when he transitioned from Earth to Glory on May 2, 2024, at Calvary Hospital, Brooklyn Campus. 

Our beloved Arthur is survived by his children, son Najee, and daughter Naja; grandson Amare; mother Eula Lee McCain; brothers Henry Lamont” (Dawne)McCain, Alvin “Abbey”, Jamaine “Maine”; sisters Yvette Morales and Shanique; godson Joseph Hope, Jr; Lori Demsyn; a host of uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends he held near and dear to his heart.