Howard Leroy Arnold

Howard Leroy Arnold, 88, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday morning (11-17-15) after an extended illness, surrounded by family. Roy was born on May 19, 1927 in Sullivan County, to Hugh and Elva Arnold. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1945-1951, during both WWII and the Korean War. He served on the USS Hornet CV-12 aircraft carrier, and was part of the rescue mission of the troops in Pearl Harbor. He earned 18 medals for his service. Following his time in the war he worked with the Holston Defense for 35 years before retiring.

It was his wavy "cotton top" blond hair, bright blue eyes and tenacious spirit that attracted Edna (Davis) Arnold to him in 1946. Roy and Edna married on September 18, 1948 in Gate City, VA. He was a faithful member of Mt. Carmel United Methodist Church. Roy will be remembered as a hard working and kind hearted man. His hobbies included making brooms with his father's broom machine, watching NASCAR, and enjoying his wife's chocolate pie.

Roy was preceded in death by his parents, brother Robert, and sister Birdie.

He is survived by the love of his life and beloved wife of 67 years, Edna; three daughters, Patsy Lane (Edgar); Nancy Self (Jimmie); Linda Hendrickson (Doug); 7 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; several step grandchildren, sisters, Lucy Ellis; Sue Morelock; brother, Ronald Arnold (Betty); several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Friday from 5-7:00 pm at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, Kingsport. The funeral service will follow at 7:00 pm with Rev. Craig Needham and Rev. Larry Caylor officiating.

A military graveside service will be conducted on Saturday at 11:00 am at Liberty Hill Cemetery.

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