Billy J. Arnold

Billy J. Pop Arnold, 72, passed away Wednesday, August 15, 2007 at the Select Specialty Hospital in Evansville from complications following open heart surgery. Born in Owensboro on April 12, 1935, he was the son of the late Ralph and Anna Bell Frizzell Arnold; served in the US Air Force for 4 years; graduated from the University of Kentucky in 1961 with an electrical engineering degree; and retired from Commonwealth Aluminum in 1999 and from the KY Air National Guard in 1984 with the rank of Major after serving more than 15 years. Billy served on the Board of Directors of the Labor Management Federal Credit Union for 15 years, was on the Credit Unions Supervisory Committee, and earned the Leadership and Herring Certificate, the highest award for volunteerism bestowed by the KY Credit Union League. He was a member of the Yellow Creek Baptist Church and the Honorable Order of the Kentucky Colonels. He was preceded in death by a son, Kevin Arnold in 1991 and brothers, Wendell Arnold and Shirley Arnold.

There are no words to describe the man he was or how much he meant to his family and friends. He gave all of himself to the people he loved, never expecting anything in return. Billy was respected for his values and his dedication to his country. He touched so many lives and they were so much richer for it. He was a kind, gentle, loving man who loved people; never met a stranger; and always had a funny story to tell, a kind word to say, and a hug to give.

Billy was an avid UK fan, loyal to the Wildcats through good and bad. It was a rare occasion to see him in anything other that UK blue and white. He was a loving, giving, and dedicated man to his family, always there with encouragement and support. He was proud of the accomplishments of each family member. He treasured the family days each week and the many family vacations. Billy was a father figure to so many people who after meeting him realized that he cared for them, they could learn from him, and he was willing to share himself unconditionally with them.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Dona J. Pruden Arnold; daughters, Susan Arnold and Dr. Lori Arnold (and Stephen) Boyd of Owensboro; a son, Rodney Arnold of Owensboro; grandchildren, Matthew Arnold, Christy (and Stephen) Zimmer, Billy Keith Arnold, and Stephanie Boyd all of Owensboro; great-grandchildren, Jayden Franklin and Brooklyn Moorman; a sister, Lahoma Stinnett of Owensboro; a brother, Edward L. Arnold of Owensboro; a Foster-son Bart Blythe of Indianapolis; and many nieces, nephews and cousins who loved him dearly.

Services are 11:30 A.M. Saturday, August 18, 2007 at Glenn Funeral Home with Dr. James Wedding and Rev. Tony Stevenson officiating followed by burial in Owensboro Memorial Gardens with military honors provided by VFW Post 696. Visitation will be from 2-8 P.M. on Friday and after 9 A.M. on Saturday.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to the Yellow Creek Baptist Church Building Fund or the American Diabetes Association.