Sodie Arcia

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 dear 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, often with dear friends; he was a studio musician for Barry White, played with Craig

Ingraham’s band Freedom Quest, which included David Benoit on keyboards, 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.