Billy (Pop) Arnold

Billy Edgar Arnold, 84, was called by his Lord on May 23, 2014.

Bill was born on April 28, 1930, in Jasper, Texas, to John and Gertrude Arnold. He graduated from High School in Hermitage, Arkansas in 1947.

Bill was inducted into the Army on March 15, 1951, at Camden, Arkansas, and served his country bravely as a combat engineer in the Korean War.

After his tour of duty in the Army, he worked as an industrial electrician for most of his career. He worked on projects such as the Air Force Atlas Missile Sites in Oklahoma, a bauxite plant in Jamaica, a locks and dam on the Ohio river, and the construction of two nuclear power plants in California.

On October 13, 1954, Bill married the woman of his dreams, Dortha J. Reynolds, of Camden, Arkansas. Together they were blessed with two children, Steven and Janet, and a life filled with joy, laughter and togetherness.

Bill’s hobbies consisted mostly of hunting and fishing, travelling the country with his wife, spending time with his five grandsons, and attending their sporting events. Bill was a kid at heart with a constant sense of humor, always joking and teasing with his grandkids. He was a member of the Southwest Church of Christ in Jonesboro.

He is survived by his wife Dortha, his children Steven (Marie) and Janet Parkey (Dr. Mike Parkey); his grandsons Justin Parkey (Lydia), Jonathan Parkey, Josh Parkey, James Arnold and David Arnold (Maddie - along with a great grandson due to arrive in August); his brother Robert Arnold of Tacoma, Washington, and his many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 27, 2014 at the Emerson Memorial Chapel, with Dr. Jimmy Adcox officiating with Emerson Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. A private burial will follow with grandsons and family serving as pallbearers. Visitation will be from noon until 2:00 at Emerson’s.

For lasting memorials please consider the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House, 1148 E. Matthews, Jonesboro, AR 72401, or Southwest Church of Christ, 1601 James Street, Jonesboro, AR 72401.