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Obituaries

Recent Obituaries

Flora “Dolly” Erskine, 88

Flora “Dolly” Erskine, 88, of Hendersonville passed away Thursday, January 7, 2016 at the Laurels of Hendersonville after a period of declining health.
Born in Battle Creek, MI, she was the daughter of the late Anthony and Maggie Dennis Smith. She was also preceded in death by her husband, James David Erskine, Sr., who died in 2010. She was a member of Arden Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Mrs. Erskine is survived by her son, James David Erskine, Jr. and his wife, Cathy, of Weaverville; her daughter, Pamela Erskine Livingston and her husband, Raymond, of Hendersonville; three grandchildren, Kris Erskine and wife, Marla; Tony Livingston and wife, Jana; and Holly Livingston Clark and husband, Dru; four great-grandchildren, Kellen, Ion, Brayden and Kinley; and a number of nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 2:30 pm Saturday, January 30, 2016 at Arden Seventh-day Adventist Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Youth Ministries of Arden Seventh-day Adventist Church at www.tmcfunding.com.
To offer condolences online, please visit www.shulerfuneralhome.com. Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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Donald E. Wilkinson, Sr., 86

Donald E. Wilkinson, Sr., 86, of Hendersonville, passed away Monday, January 25, 2016. Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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Jackie R. “Jack” Ludolph, 81

Jackie R. “Jack” Ludolph, 81, of Hendersonville, NC passed away Saturday, January 23, 2016 at the Elizabeth House.

He was born and raised in Waterloo, Iowa and served in the U.S. Marines during the Korean Conflict.

He had worked at the Waterloo Courier, the Minneapolis Star
Tribune, the International Typographical Union and had retired out of
the Washington Post.

He was a member of the Hendersonville Elks Lodge #1616.

He enjoyed playing golf, traveling with his wife and enjoyed the company of his cats.

He is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Donna Freeman
Ludolph; 2 daughters, Anna Walker and her husband Steve of Leawood, KS
and Cathi Jolley and her husband Bill of Beaverton, Oregon; two
granddaughters, Tessa and Lauren and three great grandsons, Cooper,
Porter and Cash.

No public service will be held.

Donations may be made to the Elizabeth House, 581 S. Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731.

Condolence cards may be sent to the family atwww.jacksonfuneralservice.com or PO Box 945, Hendersonville, NC 28793.

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Irene Jackson Gordon, 80

Irene Jackson Gordon, 80, of Hendersonville, NC passed away Saturday, January 23, 2016 after a long illness at Hendersonville Health and Rehab.
She is the daughter of the late Forest and Cora Russell Jackson and the wife of the late Arnold Gordon.
She is survived by two daughters, Patricia Gordon Garcia and Linda Kay Gordon; a granddaughter, Jessica Skipper; grandsons, Christopher Skipper and Ricky Garcia and his wife Aquasha of Mill Spring; two sisters, Josephine Cairnes of Mill River and Wavelene Armstrong of Alabama and was also loved by many nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held 11:00 AM Friday, January 29, 2016 at the Chapel In The Pines of Jackson Funeral Service with Rev. Billy Jarvis officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the chapel.

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Robert “Otis” Stanley Sr.,67,

Robert “Otis” Stanley Sr.,67, of Hendersonville, NC passed away Friday, January 22, 2016 after a brief illness. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Katherine Wilson Stanley and his wife, Flo Hill Stanley. He was a U.S. Army Veteran having served two tours during the Vietnam War and had served in the Korean Conflict. He retired from Dupont after 25 years of service. Otis loved the outdoors, hunting and fishing. He is survived by his son, Robert “Butch” Stanley and his wife Gina of Hendersonville; two grandchildren, Courtland and Cassidy Stanley; two sisters, Faye Stanley of Hendersonville and Teresa Barnwell and her husband Hubert of Hendersonville; a brother-in-law, Joe Hill of Hendersonville and several nieces and cousins. The family will receive friends Friday night from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM at Jackson Funeral Service and at other times will be at his home. A graveside service will be held 1:00 PM Saturday at the Crab Creek Cemetery #2 with Rev. Allen Martin officiating. Military Honors will be conducted by the Henderson County Honor Guard. Donations may be made to the Crab Creek Cemetery #2 Fund at Crab Creek Baptist Church or to the Council on Aging. Condolence cards may be sent to the family at www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or PO Box 945, Hendersonville, NC 28793.

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Theodore “Ted” Roosevelt Braswell, Jr., 89

Theodore “Ted” Roosevelt Braswell, Jr., 89, of Hendersonville, NC formerly of Marion, NC, went to be with his precious Lord on January 21, 2016. Ted was an awesome father and grandfather who has left to cherish his memory, daughters Deborah Skrady, Donna Teems, Sharon Smith, son-in-law Gary Smith, grandchildren Heather Sullivan and Jonathan Smith, and four great-grandchildren.

Ted was born July 11, 1926 and raised in Mitchell County, NC. He served his country in WWII as a U.S. Navy encryptor in Hawaii and attended Appalachian State Teachers College where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree. He then relocated to McDowell County where he coached girls’ basketball and taught for 30 years at North Cove High School and West McDowell Junior High School, and taught Adult Basic Education at McDowell Tech for many years.

A kind-hearted person with a spirit of giving and serving others, Ted devoted himself to serving his Lord as a Sunday School teacher at North Cove Baptist Church, a volunteer for the North Cove/Woodlawn routes of Meals on Wheels for ten years, an active member of the Mount Mitchell Oasis Shiners, and an active member of the Mystic Tie Lodge #237 for 68 years.

Committal services will be held in the Chapel of the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Black Mountain, NC on January 25, 2016. A Celebration of Life service will be held at Spring Arbor of Hendersonville, NC.

Memorials can be made to The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) serving the Carolinas Division: NKF Serving the Southeast, 4701 Hedgemore Drive, Suite 810, Charlotte, NC 28208; Spring Arbor of Hendersonville c/o Activity Director Daphne Neal, 1820 Pisgah Drive, Hendersonville, NC 28791; Salvation Army 239 3rd Avenue East, Hendersonville, NC 28792.

Jackson Funeral Service of Hendersonville, NC is assisting the family with arrangements.

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Sarah Elizabeth Hudgins Uhorchak, 92

Sarah Elizabeth Hudgins Uhorchak, 92, went to be with her Lord on Saturday, January 23, 2016.

Sarah was born in Rutherford County, N.C. on October 21, 1923 to the late James Hobson Hudgins and Floy Jackson Hudgins. She was the eldest of four daughters. She was preceded in death by her son, Gregory James Uhorchak and her daughter, Vicki Lee Uhorchak, her parents, her sisters Doris Ellen Seymour, Louis Mae Orr and Phyllis Marie Allen.

She is survived by her husband of 72 years, Walter (Wally) Uhorchak.

Sarah graduated from Edneyville High School in June 1940 and moved to Washington, D.C. She graduated from Strayer College, Washington, D.C. and was employed by the War Department (Department of Defense) as a secretary. After the onset of WW II, her entire office structure was transferred to Winston-Salem, N.C. She transferred to the newly opened Basic Training Center #10 in Greensboro, N.C. in the spring of 1943 where she met the soldier who would be her husband. Sarah and Walter (Wally) were married in the Base Chapel on November 6, 1943. She followed her husband when possible as he was transferred from base to base and she returned to Washington, C.C. when he was designated for overseas assignment in 1945.

After the war ended Sarah and Wally took up residence in Washington, D.C. and she was employed by the Department of Defense as a secretary. They moved from Washington, D.C. to Baltimore, MD, to Eglin AFB FL, to Sunnyvale, CA, to Lubbock, TX, to Hendersonville, NC, to Tehran, Iran, and to Kennesaw, GA as Wally pursued his career in the aerospace industry until his retirement from the Lockheed Georgia Company (now the Lockheed-Martin Corp), Marietta, GA in 1992.

In December 2005 the couple returned to Hendersonville, N.C. and settled down in Blue Ridge Villas on Orr's Camp Road.

She is also survived by her nephew James Eric Orr (Janet) and their three children and grandchildren, her niece Kathy Orr McSwain (Tommy) and their three children, and the three children and grandchildren of her niece, the late Gail Orr McKenzie (Steve) and several cousins.

The funeral will be held 11:00 AM Thursday, January 28, 2016 at the Chapel In The Pines of Jackson Funeral Service with The Rev. Dr. Gordon Elliott officiating. Internment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.
The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the chapel.

No flowers please. Memorials may be made to the Crosswalk Youth Center, First Baptist Church, Hendersonville, N.C.

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Gordon Lee Reed, 78

Gordon Lee Reed, 78

Gordon Lee Reed, 78, of East Flat Rock passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully, Tuesday, January 19, 2016 at the Elizabeth House in Flat Rock.
Gordon was born in Clearfield, PA to the late Earl and Louise Reed. He was also preceded in death by a daughter, Patty Jo Reed Zimmerman.
He is survived by his loving partner of twenty-five years, Edith G. Hill; a son, Jason Reed of Port St. Lucie, FL; a daughter, Lisa Reed Davies of Houtzdale, PA; a sister, Janet Billotte of Clearfield, PA; a brother, Jerry Reed of Clearfield, PA; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; a special nephew, Clint Billotte; and many friends.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Gordon’s memory to your local animal shelter or to the donor’s favorite charity.
To offer condolences online, please visit www.shulerfuneralhome.com. Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

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Evelyn Rachel Gentle Barnwell, 88

Evelyn Rachel Gentle Barnwell, 88

Evelyn Rachel Gentle Barnwell, 88, passed away in her home Friday January 15, 2016 following a period of declining health. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles Marion and Allie Drake Gentle and a brother, Charles Marion Gentle, Jr. Born in Hendersonville, she lived most of her life near her childhood home.
Evelyn attended Lees-McRae College where she obtained an Associate in Arts certificate in 1946. She graduated from Appalachian State University in 1950 with a Bachelor of Library Science degree. Later she attended Western Carolina University where she obtained her teaching certificate.
Evelyn’s teaching career spanned a 30 year period in Virginia and North Carolina, but her heart truly belonged to all the children she taught and loved at Edneyville Elementary School. She retired as a school teacher in 1987.
Evelyn was a faithful member of Fruitland Baptist Church for over 50 years. She shared her love of God and His word with several generations of children by teaching Sunday school classes. She was a shining example of a true servant of God.
She is survived by a daughter, Selina Barnwell Edney and her husband, Morris; one granddaughter, Jessica Edney Davidson; two great-granddaughters, Ashley Selina Davidson and Kimberly Lynn Davidson all of Hendersonville, N.C.; a sister, Sharon Ann Gentle; two brothers, Duane Lee Gentle and wife Lettie; Theodore William Gentle and wife Shirley, all of Fletcher as well as many precious nieces and nephews.
There will be a memorial service at 2:00 p.m. Saturday January 23 2016 at Fruitland Baptist Church. Rev. Michael Smith, Rev. Craig Stepp, and Rev. Steve Jones will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorial contributions be made to Four Seasons Hospice or Fruitland Baptist Church Building Fund at www.tmcfunding.com. Please visit shulerfuneralhome.com to sign an online guest book.
Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

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Persis Carpentier, 93,

Persis Carpentier, 93, of Hendersonville, passed away Sunday, January, 17, 2016. Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family

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Dorothy Jo Laughridge, 91

Dorothy Jo Laughridge, 91 of Laurel Park went home to Heaven on Saturday January 16, 2016 from Life Care Center. Arrangements are pending and will be announced by Jackson Funeral Service.

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Lily Ann Blackwell Staton, 64

Lily Ann Blackwell Staton, 64

Lily Ann Blackwell Staton, 64, passed away Saturday, January 9, 2016 at Pardee Memorial Hospital after a lengthy illness.
Mrs. Staton was born in Alabama but raised in Hendersonville. She was preceded in death by her mother and father, Louise Wallace Blackwell and B.M. Blackwell.
Mrs. Staton is survived by her loving husband of 41 years, Kim L. Staton of Hendersonville; sons, Michael Staton of Alabama and Josh (Kodi) Staton of Hendersonville; grandchildren, Cody of Alabama and Gracie of Hendersonville; sister, Ella (Jack) Garrett of White Pine, TN; and several loving aunts, uncles, nephews, cousins and friends.
No services will be held. Memorials may be made to Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at www.tmcfunding.com.
To sign the online register book, please visit www.shulerfuneralhome.com. Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

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Charles Sebrent Maybin, 75

Mr. Charles Sebrent Maybin, age 75, of Etowah, died Saturday, January 9, 2016 at the Elizabeth House.

He is survived by his loving wife of 14 years, Audrey Pace.

The family will receive friends Thursday, January 14, 2016 from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM at Jackson Funeral Service.

The funeral service will be 11:00 am Friday at the Chapel In The Pines of Jackson Funeral Service with Rev. Edward Capps officiating.
Burial will follow in the Pearson Cemetery

Condolence cards may be sent to the family at
www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or PO Box 945, Hendersonville, NC 28793.

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Jack Wirtz, 94

Jack Wirtz, 94

Jack Wirtz, 94, of Hendersonville, NC, passed away on January 9, 2016, at Sunnybrook Assisted Living. He is now home with his Lord and Savior following a year of declining health.
Jack was born June 24, 1921, in Colon, Panama, to William and Elizabeth Theurer Wirtz, the 10th of 11 children. Home was Cristobal in Colon Province, the Panama Canal Zone, where his father was an engineer on the construction of the Panama Canal. He called himself “The Original Panama Jack.” When his father retired, the family built a home in Horse Shoe, NC. Jack graduated from Mills River High School in 1941.
He joined the U.S. Navy in 1943 and served on the newly-commissioned USS Hollandia. This distinction made Jack a Plank Owner. He became a Water Tender 2nd Class, responsible for the fresh water and steam system for the ship and crew.
Jack married Beulah Fisher in 1954. She passed away from cancer ten years later. He married Helen Patrick from Gaffney, SC, on October 10, 1965. She preceded him in death in late September, 2015.
Jack is survived by his loving son, William Patrick; his blessed daughter-in-law, Ann; his dear sister, Gertrude Vavak (NV); and many nieces, nephews and family, including Gretchen Williams(Roger) and her mother, Gladys Wirtz (Chester) of Zirconia, NC; and Barry Vavak (Cheryl) of Waynesville, NC, who were especially close.
He was very active in church, first at Valley Hill Baptist and then for many years at West Hendersonville Baptist. He is a current member of Main Street Baptist Church. He served as Deacon, sang in the choir, and maintained the church facilities where it is said, “Jack saved the church a lot of expense because he repaired everything.” Known as the Candy Man, he was also famous for his lemon pies and sugar-coated peanuts which he gave generously to others. Helen was his helpmate in all he did.
Jack retired from DuPont in 1983 after working as a maintenance mechanic. He was especially appreciated on the days he brought Helen’s fresh fried apple pies to work. He loved to fish on the DuPont property.
The family is very grateful for the loving, excellent care Jack received from Sunnybrook Assisted Living, where he resided, and from Four Seasons Compassion for Life. Hospice music therapist Elizabeth Merlin was a special, weekly blessing.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 14, at Main Street Baptist Church, Hendersonville, NC from 1 until 2:00 PM. A celebration of life service will immediately follow at 2:00, led by the Rev. Charles Magnet and the Rev. Tracy Fletcher. Burial will be at Oakdale Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Four Seasons Compassion for Life, or to Main Street Baptist Church at www.tmcfunding.com.
To offer online condolences please visit www.forestlawnhendersonville.com.
Forest Lawn Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

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Elizabeth Anne Seely Black, 90

Elizabeth Anne Seely Black, age 90 of Hendersonville died Friday, January 8th, 2016 at Hendersonville Health and Rehabilitation. She was born July 5th, 1925 in Warren County, Pennsylvania; a daughter of the late Francis Russell Seely and Anne Gaitens Seely. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by a son, David Lance Black who died in 2006.

Elizabeth received her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Pittsburgh School Of Nursing and her Master’s Degree from the University of Buffalo. She was a professor at Jamestown Community College in Jamestown, New York where she taught nursing and served as the department chair. She was the first female to serve on the Jamestown City Council. She retired to Hendersonville in 1984 and was a member of St. James Episcopal Church. She enjoyed volunteering with Friends of the Library at the Henderson County Library, the Council on Aging, and knitting hats and scarves for the Merchant Marines Seaman’s Institute.

She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Richard Lance Black of Hendersonville; son Jay Allan Black and wife, Sherrie of Virginia Beach, VA; daughters, Lise Jean Black Neale and husband, David of Scottsdale, AZ; and Ellen Frances Black Wilcox and husband, Dana of Hamburg, NY; daughter-in-law, Miriam Gilbert of Boulder, CO; grandchildren, Benjamin, Kenneth and Steven Black, Brett and Hallie Neale, Cassie Neale Harper and husband, Chad, and Daniel and Erin Wilcox; great-grandchildren, Paisley and Skyla Harper; brother, Rae Seely of Sun River, OR; and sister, Frances Mader of Scottsdale, AZ.

A Memorial Service will be held 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 13th, 2016 at St. James Episcopal Church conducted by the Reverend Dr. Joel G. Hafer.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Elizabeth’s memory be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association, 4124 Clemson Blvd. Suite L, Anderson, SC 29621.

An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com. Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors and Cremation Memorial Center is in charge of the arrangements.

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Evelyn B. Prince, 84

Evelyn B. Prince, 84 of Mountain Home passed January 1st, 2016. She is survived by a son, Jeff Prince; daughter, Kelly Swain; sister, Janice Shelton; and a multitude of grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life service will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 16th at French Broad Baptist Church. Family will receive friends from 1:00 until 1:30 p.m. prior to the service. An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com. Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors and Cremation Memorial Center is in charge of arrangements.

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Frances Jane Zecher, 79

Frances Jane Zecher, 79 of Hendersonville passed away Monday January 11, 2016 at the Elizabeth House.

Jackson Funeral Service is assisting the Zecher Family.

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Guy Neely Boyd, Jr., 79

Guy Neely Boyd, Jr., 79, of Hendersonville passed away Wednesday, January 6, 2016 at Elizabeth House. Guy was the son of the late Guy Neely Boyd, Sr. and Daisy Juanita Bennett Boyd. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.
Survivors include his wife, Sharon L. Boyd; children, Andrew (Drew) Boyd of McKinney, TX, Neely (Boyd) Dickson and her husband Ken of Dallas, TX, Amanda (Mandy) Boyd and her husband Lee of Colonial Heights, VA; step-children, Michael Nash and his wife Teresa of Rowlett, TX, Cynthia (Nash) Penney and her husband Donnie of Richardson, TX; grandchildren, Ethan Yanes, Lee Ann Yanes, Stephen Nash and his wife Jenna, Chase Nash, Taylor Rae Nash, Emilee Penney; and a great-grandchild Gage Nash.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 am Friday, January 15, 2016 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Father John Pagel will be the celebrant.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital; Muscular Dystrophy in care of Mattie Stepanek; or Interfaith Assistance Ministry (IAM) at www.tmcfunding.com.
Please visit www.shulerhendersonville.com to sign an online guest book.
Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

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Carl Dixon Rhodes, Jr., 65

Carl Dixon Rhodes, Jr., 65, of Hendersonville passed away Monday, January 4, 2016 at his home surrounded by his loving family.
A native and lifelong resident of Henderson County, he was a son of the late Carl Dixon Rhodes, Sr. and Myrtle Ruth Rogers Rhodes. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Joseph Rhodes and by his beloved grandmother, Giva Huntley Rhodes, who raised him after his parents died.
Carl graduated from Edneyville High School in 1968 and retired from GE after 36 years of employment. He excelled at sports and coached many throughout the years. A selfless man, Carl would do anything for those who needed him. He was a loving father, a man of faith, and a friend to everyone. Carl was an avid fisherman, Tar Heels fan and a man who loved animals, especially his chocolate lab, Curtis. Above all, he loved his family. God called home a very special man.
Carl is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Brenda Cantrell Rhodes; son, Joey Rhodes and wife, Jamie; daughter, Christy Rhodes; grandchildren, Ashley, Dalton and Demi; brother, Dick Rhodes and wife, Naomi; sister, Sally Patterson and husband, Narvin; and several nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held at 11 AM Thursday, January 7, 2016 at Hooper’s Creek Baptist Church with the Reverend Phillip Youngblood officiating. Burial will be private. The family will receive friends from 6-8 PM Wednesday at Shuler Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Four Seasons Compassion for Life or to the American Lung Association at www.tmcfunding.com.
To offer condolences online, please visit www.shulerfuneralhome.com. Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

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Ronnie Clyde Arnold Jr., 46

Ronnie Clyde Arnold Jr., 46

Ronnie Clyde Arnold Jr., 46, passed away at his home in Hendersonville on December 28, 2015. To most who knew him, he was light-hearted, goofy, kind and never took life too seriously. He lived his life the way he would have wanted to be remembered by those he loved - wild, free, with the soul of a gypsy and the heart of a hippie.

Though he lived in the area most of his life, Ronnie was a wanderer at heart, loved to travel and greatly enjoyed time spent in California and Amsterdam, among others. He also had a love for antiques and found joy in wandering the flea markets in search of collectibles on the weekends.

He is survived by his father, Ronnie Arnold Sr., a daughter, Ashley Sheppard and husband Scott, a brother, Ray Arnold and his wife Tatia, a sister Denise Simms and her husband, John, and their respective families. He also leaves behind his loving partner Bobby Sutter and many dear friends, all of whom will greatly miss and never forget him.

Services to be provided at 11 a.m. Thursday at the Chapel In The Pines of Jackson Funeral Service.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that all donations be given to his daughter via the Ronnie C. Arnold Jr., Memorial Fund.

"Those we love don't go away, they walk beside us every day - unseen, unheard, but always near - still loved, still missed and very dear."

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