John Arnold

ARNOLD, JOHN DEWAYNE, age 54, of Morris, Alabama passed in the late afternoon of June 13, 2011 due to complications from a long hard fought battle with multiple illnesses. As his family and friends stood by him, he battled long and hard and displayed nothing but great strength, courage, and strong will of mind in his fight against almost impossible odds. Mr. Arnold graduated from Mortimer Jordan High School in 1978 with vocational training in electronics. He worked for Jefferson County Public Works at Camp Ketona for 28 ½ years before retiring due to health reasons, He considered the employees that he worked with very much to be his extended family and would tell anyone that he would still have been there working if there had been any way possible. Those left to cherish his love and memories are his wife of 28 years, Sharon Bowers Arnold and his daughter, Kayla Michelle Arnold, age 19 who he adored with all of his heart. He also came to know one of Kayla’s best friends, Chandler Morgan Crane, and acknowledged her as his “adopted” daughter as well. And being a big Alabama fan, he was very proud that the girls are attending the University of Alabama. Not only being a big Alabama fan, he was also known as a great cook and loved to share his talent with friends and family. He loved watching NASCAR races with his daughter and was a great animal lover which he also passed onto his daughter and wife. From all the pets that he had (which at one time included a pet raccoon), his favorite was his red headed Maine Coone cat named “Punkin”. While in the hospital, we were always asked how his little buddy “Punkin” was doing. He was preceded in death by his parents, James C. Arnold and Ozella L Arnold. He is survived by two sisters and two brothers: Carolyn (Burnie) Higginbotham, Mary Dobbs J. Thomas (Tommy) Arnold and Wayburn (Debra) Arnold. Other survivors include 4 nephews, 4 nieces, 6 great nephews and 1 great niece. And given the great love, support and friendship after marrying into his wife’s family, I know that he would want to acknowledge a very special aunt and uncle: Ted and Mary Hallmark, who have been there for our little family through many years of happiness and even through the long battle of illness and hard times. Mr. Arnold was a member of Liberty Baptist Church where he loved to attend services in the church in which he was brought up. His funeral services will be held on Friday, June 17, 2011 at Gardendale Funeral Home, 2214 Decatur Highway with Brother Willard Davis from Liberty Baptist Church to officiate. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Funeral service will be at 1:00 PM. Burial will be held at Liberty Baptist Cemetery immediately following the service.

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John Arnold

June 28, 1956 - June 13, 2011