Edward Ray Arnold

Of Zion, Arkansas

Edward Ray Arnold, son of the late William Ed Arnold and Mary Whaley Arnold, was born February 8, 1939 in Zion, Arkansas.  He departed this life July 30, 2021 in Salem, Arkansas at the age of 82 years 5 months and 22 days.  Ray was raised by his beloved grandparents, George "Poppy" Arnold and Nancy Branscum Arnold. He was married to Kathlene Gaston Arnold until her death in 1988.  In 1991 he was united in marriage to Joy Green.  Ray spent his life as a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, provider and friend.  Most of his working years were spent with the Izard County Road Department as a grader operator.  He retired after 32 years of employment.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing and watching western movies.  He was a master mason and was a member of Antioch Masonic Lodge #214.  He was also a member of Melbourne Community Church.

Ray is survived by his wife of thirty years:  Joy Arnold of the home; one son:  Chris Arnold of Franklin; three daughters:  Jan Palmer (Danny of Paw Paw, Michigan, Sherrie Hoyle (Carl) of Quitman; Susan Adams (Myron) of Harrisburg; six brothers:  Connal Lee Arnold of Melbourne, Raymond Arnold (Angie) of Mount Pleasant, Jerry Arnold (Sharon) of Melbourne, Demmie Arnold (Melanie) of Melbourne, Douglas James Arnold (Carolyn) of Harriet and Vicky George of Michigan; one sister:  Rhea Vernie Rainwater (David) of Cookville, Tennessee; nine grandchildren:  Ashley, Tosha, Tiffany, Trisha, Brian, Kaylyn, Stormy, Cordell and Chad; twelve great grandchildren and a host of other relatives and many good friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents; his paternal grandparents: his first wife; three sisters:  Georgie Grissom, Vollie Lankford, Kathy Bishop; two brothers:  Jackie Arnold, Tommy George; one son:  Doug Arnold; one granddaughter:  Regean Arnold and one daughter-in-law:  Loretta Rogers.

Visitation and funeral service will be Wednesday, August 4 at Eddie's Family Funeral Home in Melbourne.  Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m.   Funeral service will begin at 2:00 p.m.  Burial will follow at Violet Hill Cemetery.

The Arnold family respectfully requests that masks be worn during visitation and funeral service.

Pallbearers:  Carl Hoyle, John Ray Arnold, Coy Dale, Jerry Dale, Lucas Churchman and Dillon Churchman.

Honorary Pallbearers:  Connal Lee Arnold, Raymond Arnold, Jerry Arnold, Demmie Arnold, Douglas James Arnold.

Memorials may be made to:  Alzheimer's Arkansas, 201 Markham Center Drive, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205 or Melbourne Community Church, 114 Jackson Street, Melbourne, Arkansas 72556.