Wayne Arnold

A Memorial Service will be held for Thomas Wayne Arnold at 11:00 a.m. on December 1, 2023, at the First Methodist Church in Gilmer, Texas. Wayne was born to Clayton and Winnie Arnold on July 19, 1935, in Upshur County, Texas, and passed away on November 23, 2023.

Wayne was a member of the 1953 graduating class of Gilmer High School where he loved playing football and being a member of the team. After high school he attended East Texas State University where he received a Business degree and was captain of the football team for two of his four years.

Following college, Wayne accepted a management position with the J.C. Penney Company in Tyler, Texas. After 30 years, he retired from J.C. Penney to pursue other interests like playing golf, raising cattle, working on his land in Upshur County and serving his community in various capacities.

He also enjoyed several years of involvement with the Rotary Club of Upshur County. In addition to making lifelong friends, a highlight of his involvement was serving a term as District Governor for the organization. Wayne also enjoyed many years of attending and holding positions of leadership at First Methodist Church of Gilmer.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Clayton and Winnie Arnold; brothers Dolan Arnold, Clinton Arnold and Lavelle Arnold; and sister Marcelle Arnold Vick.

Wayne is survived by his beautiful wife of 67 years, Carolyn Bishop Arnold, and children Lou Ann Rollins and husband Kenny; and son, Dwight Arnold and wife Iris. Also, four grandchildren Amanda Scott (Wesley); Sarah McKinney (Alan); C. J. Rollins (Amber); Bailey Worthy (Jayson) and eight great grandchildren – Emily, Cody, Lilly, Avery, Andi-Kate, Bade, Amerie and Avery.