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Tom Arnold

January 1, 1943 ~ October 18, 2023 (age 80) 80 Years Old

Tom Arnold Obituary

Rocky Mount -

John Thomas Arnold, age 80, passed away peacefully at his home with his family by his side Wednesday morning, October 18, 2023.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Henry and Zettie Williamson Arnold; brothers, Dennis Arnold, Dick Arnold, JC Arnold, and Bruce Arnold; sisters, Susie Arnold, and Merlyn Arnold Lewis; and stepson, Gregory Scott Bowen. He is survived by his wife of fifty-nine years, Joan Linda Bowen Arnold; daughters, Denise Arnold Heacox (Greg) and Tara Lynn Arnold Gates (Robby); grandsons, Robert Johnathan Claiborne (Twinkle) and Mason Thomas Gates; siblings, Eunice Arnold Dietrich and Jackie Arnold Varnell (Joe); sisters-in-law, Linda Arnold and Bonnie Arnold; special sisters-in-law, Joyce Arnold and Jan Shearin; and brother-in-law, Charlie Lewis.

He was a loving husband, daddy, papa, brother and friend. He was a proud employee of Abbott Laboratories where he worked for approximately twenty-nine years. While working as an engineer at Abbott he was also a mechanic for friends and family’s vehicles and machinery. He was a sponge of knowledge to all in the community from mechanics to growing his garden and he loved to share his wisdom with everyone. He loved planting and working in his garden, growing vegetables for his family and friends. He grew and sold collards and salad to the community, where he met many wonderful people he grew to cherish as friends. He was a lifelong member of Proctor’s Chapel Baptist Church where he grew up.

He loved his daughters unconditionally and cherished his two grandchildren dearly.

He was a faithful and firm believer in his Heavenly Father and without a doubt the mighty trumpets of Heaven have sounded as he walked through the pearly gates. We know daddy you are among the angels and always in our hearts, forever watching over us. Daddy- Papa, you are loved, cherished, adored and will be missed tremendously.

A Celebration of Tom's Life will be held at 2:00 pm, Monday, October 23, 2023 at Proctor's Chapel Baptist Church, 2917 Old Wilson Rd, Rocky Mount, NC 27801. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1:00 pm - 1:45.