Eugene D. Arnold

Reverend Eugene D. (Gene) Arnold went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, May 24, 2010. He was preceded in death by his loving, devoted wife of 67 years, Elizabeth Shelton Arnold. He was born August 27, 1920, to the late Pete and Lilian Arnold. He will be sadly missed by his caregiver, Brenda Vaughan and her husband Ray, who grew to love him like a father. Rev. Arnold was pastor of Grace Baptist Temple in Roanoke from 1947-1952. In 1952 he organized Fellowship Baptist Church in Roanoke, "The Star City of the South". He served as the pastor there for 26 years and went into evangelism after his retirement. He was the foundation of many local pastors and missionaries all over the Roanoke Valley and the United States. Rev. Arnold was a firm believer in the radio ministry. In his early ministry, he was with the WROV Radio Station. He was the original gospel broadcaster when WKBA opened and broadcasted seven days a week until his retirement in 1978. He continued a weekday broadcast through Fellowship Baptist Church until 2007. He was also known for his tent revival ministry all over the Shenandoah Valley. Rev. Arnold loved the gospel. He stayed faithful to his church, attending every service until his health began to fail at age 87. He was a resident at Springtree Health and Rehab at his death. He always made the comment about the good care he received. Thanks, Springtree! In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Fellowship Baptist Church Building Fund. A service celebrating his life will be conducted at 11 a.m., Thursday, May 27, 2010, at Fellowship Baptist Church, 929 Murray Avenue, SE with the Rev. Mark Manning, the Rev. Willie Weaver, the Rev. Olander English and the Rev. Mike Ward officiating. Interment will follow at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. Friends may call at the Lotz Vinton Chapel from 3 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, May 26, 2010. Online condolences can be made at www.lotzfuneral home.com. Arrangements by Lotz Vinton Chapel.