Allen "Al" Ray Arnold

Allen "Al" Ray Arnold, 68, of Collierville, Tennessee, and formerly of Blytheville, passed from this life Saturday, Dec. 20, 2014, at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis.

Born in Tulare, California, to James and Darlene Chaney Arnold, he was an accountant and human resources manager and of the Baptist faith. "Al," a Vietnam veteran, served his country with honor in the U.S. Air Force. He was a real sports enthusiast, especially baseball, football and bowling. He played on several league bowling teams and enjoyed the many friendships developed over the years.

He was a very kind, caring and devoted friend who you could always count on in times of need. If you were around "Al" very often, you would always hear him speak well of people. His philosophy was, "If you couldn't say something nice then don't say nothing at all." When around "Al," you always had to be on guard, for he was well-known as a dedicated prankster and could pull off some good pranks. He would get this sheepish grin and say, "What happened?" Or, "Can you believe someone would do that?"

Yet his greatest love was being together 46 1/2 years with his wife, Louise. He possessed a very deep abiding love for his family. Whatever the need, he made sure it was taken care of, especially for his grandchildren. His goal was to teach his children by example and he was able to accomplish this through his everyday life.

His parents and sister, June McKinney preceded him in death.

Allen is survived by his wife, Louise Hardesty Arnold, of the home;

A daughter, Debra Holifield and husband, John of Gosnell;

A son, Chris Arnold of Collierville, Tennessee;

A brother, Jim Arnold and wife Jill of Chandler, Arizona; and

His grandchildren, Chasadie Treadway and husband, Carle and great-grandson,

Conner Holifield.

Funeral Services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday in the Cobb Funeral Home Chapel with the family receiving friends from 10-11 a.m., also at Cobb Funeral Home Chapel. Mr. Billy Holifield will officiate and a graveside committal service will follow in Elmwood Cemetery.

Condolences to the family may be expressed through the online register book at www.cobbfuneralhome.com.