Carl Arnold, Jr.

Carl Edwin Arnold, Jr.

Wrens, GA  –  Carl Edwin Arnold, Jr. 90, loving husband of 63 years to the late Betty Jean Chavis Arnold, went to be with the Lord early Wednesday morning, April 15, 2020.

Carl was the eldest son of the late Olga Lucille Thurman Arnold and the late Carl Edwin Arnold, Sr. of Pensacola FL.  Carl was born in Pensacola, FL where he met the love of his life, Betty, while attending Pensacola High School.  After graduating high school, he started his career with Southern Bell as a pay phone coin collector, retiring with 38 years of service as the North Florida Branch Sales Manager for BellSouth Advanced Systems. Carl had a thirst for learning and loved to read, admire and collect all genre of literature.  Continuing his education as a young husband and father, he progressed in his career by obtaining an Associate Degree from Florida Junior College by taking courses at night, numerous sales and management training opportunities at work, self-study, and a passion for learning. A patriot, he served in the Naval Reserve. As a devout Christian, he served at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Jacksonville, FL, was a youth leader at St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church in Gulf Breeze, FL and attended Wrens United Methodist Church in Wrens, GA.

Carl was an excellent dancer and loved all types of music.  He loved all sports, was an avid fan of his Florida Gators, Atlanta Braves and Jacksonville Jaguars and especially enjoyed boating, fishing, and golfing.   As a member of Hidden Hills Country Club, he won many golf tournaments including the Senior tournaments late in life.  Carl was proud to serve as 1999-2000 President of the Jacksonville Area Golf Association (JAGA), an organization created in the 1950s as a promoter of golf for the younger generations. After retirement, Carl and Betty were blessed to have enjoyed many years filled with golf, fishing, bridge and travel. They traveled extensively with one of his favorite golf trips to play at St. Andrew’s in Scotland.

Having an out-going, fun-loving personality, people gravitated to him, enjoying his great sense of humor.  He was the ultimate family man who loved his family unconditionally and instilled in his children the importance of family, faith and doing the right thing.  No one can fill the void left by his passing, but his love remains in the hearts of his family and friends who remain.

Carl is preceded in death by his brothers, Robert Eugene Arnold, John Wayne Arnold and William James Arnold. Those left to cherish his memories include his son, Thomas Arnold (Leslie) of Titusville FL; three daughters, Cynthia Arnold Rabun (Johnny) of Wrens, Brenda Arnold Bryant (Larry) of Montgomery TX, and Carla Arnold Ball (David) of Charleston SC; ten grandchildren, Heath Rabun (Ashley), Christopher Rabun (Scarlett), Jennifer Bastos (Benny), David Kerr (Sarah), Karin MacLellan (Jerry), Bryan Rabun (Amy), Brett Arnold (Erica), Krystin Kilman, Kimberley Jensen (Dustin) and Carrie Gordon; twenty-three (23) great-grandchildren; three sisters-in-law, Susie Arnold Gertz Collins, Hattie Arnold, and Mary Ann Chavis; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

The family wishes to express their gratitude for the kindnesses evidenced in thought, deed and prayer. Because of the current ordinances regarding COVID-19 and the family’s respect and concern for public health and safety, the family has chosen to postpone celebration of life services until the social distancing and gathering mandates have been lifted. Celebration of Life and Interment services will be scheduled later to be held in the St. Andrew’s Memorial Garden at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Jacksonville, FL.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in his memory be made to St Andrew’s Episcopal Church (7801 Lone Star Road, Jacksonville FL 32211) or the charity of your choice.

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