Sodie Arcia

OBITUARY

Sodie Arcia was gifted to this world in 1952 in Fresno when Mary and Archie Arcia welcomed their precious baby boy into their family. And in early 2026, he joined them in Heaven, along with his sister, Yvonne, her daughter, Melissa and a host of family members and lifelong friends.

Sodie was born with percussion in his blood. Through the years he played bongos, congas, the cajón, timbales, and instruments like maracas, shakers,…any instrument that made percussive or unusual sounds. Among many musical experiences; he was a studio musician for Barry White, played with Craig Ingraham’s band Freedom Quest, which included David Benoit on keyboard, recorded gospel tunes with Pastor Ron Roper, and performed with Novamenco at Humphreys. His most memorable times of playing with set drummers, were with his brother, Rick, Melvin Love and George McMillan. There were many years playing with Mesa Blue, a local band, and Chris Del Priore, a San Diego guitarist, writer and singer. His incredible sound and touch on the bongos and congas could never be duplicated.

As one of his closest friends, Omar, shared, “Sodie’s meter was, in my world, perfect. He was nicknamed, “The Human Metronome.” Very few drummers/percussionists have regular tempo without speeding up or slowing down. It tends to vary based on the adrenaline or excitement level. These inaccuracies caused Sodie some frustration, but his listening was acute enough to make adjustments so as to spare lesser percussionists the embarrassment of having caused a rhythmic train wreck. He was truly gifted in this.”

He loved fishing adventures in Baja and the Coronado Islands with another close friend, Steve, gardening, cars, fixing anything, and was a true Patriot,…so proud to be an American. Every 4 th of July he cranked up the stereo as he played Stars and Stripes Forever first, followed by other John Philip Sousa songs.

Remaining and waiting to be reunited with the love of her life, is Beverly,…his “Baby Girl,” wife, confidant, lover, closer than close friend, advocate, nurse and, once upon a time, roadie.

Sodie was blessed to have a wonderful family,…his sister, Yvette and her husband Michael, his brother Rick and his wife Gerda, his brother Robert “Bobo” and his wife Gail, and his brother-in-law, John who was married to his sister Yvonne until her passing. His nieces,…Manisha, Olivia, Ann, Julia, Marquita and nephews,…Ryan and Juan. On his wife’s side, he had an extended family of his brother in law, Robert and his wife Tanja, along with his nieces, Aliya and Sarah. Included with family members dear to his heart are his many great nieces and nephews.

Many friends have joined Beverly and their family in expressing that truly life will never, ever be the same without the warm light of Sodie. All are thankful that one precious day we will be together once again.