Randall Gene "Butch" Arnold

Randall Gene "Butch" Arnold, 63, of Mount Airy, and husband of Susan Thacker Arnold, died Sunday, Feb. 15, 2009, at Forsyth Medical Center in Winston-Salem. He was born in Smyth County, July 13, 1945, to the late Joseph Bruce and Virginia Taylor Arnold. He was a graduate of Marion High School and Marion Junior College. He received his undergraduate degree from Appalachian State University and his Masters of Education from North Carolina A&T University. He was an educator for 35 years in the Davidson County School System, where he was a teacher, assistant principal, and principal at Tyro Middle School. He then worked until retirement at the Davidson County School System Administrative Office where he was director of purchasing and business operations and later became executive director of fiscal affairs. He was a member of Salem United Methodist Church, where he was church treasurer, Men's Group treasurer and trustee. Surviving are his wife, Susan Thacker Arnold of the home; one daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer (J.J.) and Jason Yarbrough of Lexington, N.C.; three grandchildren, Alex, Ethan, and Seth Yarbrough; mother-in-law, Nancy Jane Thacker of Mount Airy; children by marriage, Sarah Qualkenbush of Mocksville, N.C., and Elizabeth Norris and her spouse, Brian, of Lexington, N.C.; grandchildren by marriage, Madison and Jacob Qualkenbush and Lydia Norris; four sisters, Mickey Arnold of Advance, N.C.; Anne Arnold of Atkins, Judy Dishner of Marion, and Janice Martin and her spouse, Bob, of Atkins; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Joseph Donald Arnold, one sister-in-law, Betty Arnold, and one niece, Kelly Martin Calahan. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, Feb. 18, at 2 p.m. at Salem United Methodist Church with the service conducted by the Rev. Bud Cameron and the Rev. J. Dwight Cartner with burial to follow in the Oakdale Cemetery. The family received friends at Moody Funeral Home in Mount Airy on Tuesday night from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to be made to the Salem United Methodist Church Building Fund; 124 Myers Drive, Mount Airy, N.C. 27030. Online condolences may be made at www.moodyfuneralservices.com. Moody Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.