Eugene-Arnold-Obituary

Eugene Dudley "Gene" Arnold Jr.

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Virginia

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CHARLOTTESVILLE, Virginia

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Eugene Dudley "Gene" Arnold Jr.

Eugene Dudley "Gene" Arnold Jr. peacefully left us to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Monday, April 6, 2009.

Gene was born on February 24, 1946, in Martinsville, Virginia. He grew up in Waynesboro, Virginia, and graduated from Waynesboro High School as Valedictorian of his Senior Class. Gene graduated from the University of Virginia in 1968 with a Bachelor of Civil Engineering. After spending two years in active duty in the Army as a legal clerk, Gene attended the Georgia Institute of Technology, where he earned a Master's Degree in Civil Engineering.

Gene was preceded in death by his father, Eugene Dudley Arnold Sr.

He is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 39 years, Jeannie; his daughter, Patty; his sons, Kenny, Ben, and Joe; his daughter-in-law, Heather; his grandchildren, Zachariah, Micah, AnnaGrace and Elianna; his mother, Nina Arnold; his mother-in-law, Dot Powell; his sister, Lesa Chesson and her husband, Frank; his brother, David Arnold; his sister-in-law, Susan Lynch and her husband, Steven; his sister-in-law, Marianne Powell; his nieces, Lauren, Laura, Destiny, Jennifer, Missy and Clarissa; and his nephews, Christopher and Timothy.

Gene retired from the Virginia Department of Transportation Research Council on July 1, 2008, after 40 years of service. In his career as a Transportation Planner and Research Scientist, he published 45 research reports, contributed to multiple journals and newsletters and presented at numerous state and national professional meetings.Gene is remembered by his colleagues as the man who people sought out for technical assistance, because he did not quit until he was able to give a thorough response. Gene was actively involved for many years in the Institute of Traffic Engineering (ITE). He served as secretary/ treasurer, vice president and president of the Southern District of ITE. Gene received the Outstanding Individual Activity Award in 1986, the Distinguished Service Award in 1996, the Marble J. Hensley Outstanding Individual Activity Award from the Southern District in 2000, was designated an Honorary member of VASITE in 2002, and received the Herman J. Hoose Distinguished Service Award from the Southern District in 2005.

Gene was admired by his family, friends and colleagues for his devotion to community service. One of Gene's passions was to improve the lives of children and adults with special needs. He tirelessly worked as Area 3 Coordinator of Special Olympics, which includes the counties of Albemarle, Orange, Fluvanna, Louisa, and the City of Charlottesville.

His goal was to reach every individual with special needs in our area and get them involved in a sport. Gene was awarded the Stevens-Paige Award in August 2002 by the Arc of the Piedmont for his dedication to increasing recreational opportunities for people with disabilities.

Gene was a member of Spring Hill Baptist Church, where he served as team leader for the Special Needs Ministry. His calling was to reach families touched by special needs in the name of the Lord and offer them God's love. He was instrumental in developing Bible Study classes for children and adults with special needs. He and Jeannie worked together in implementing a respite program for parents of children with special needs and a game night for teens and adults with special needs.

The last 15 years of Gene's life were enriched by the friendships with individuals with special needs and their parents and caregivers. When Gene found out he was unable to volunteer because of his illness, he told Jeannie, "I wanted to do more."

A memorial service celebrating Gene's life will be held at Spring Hill Baptist Church in Ruckersville, Virginia, 2 p.m. Saturday, April 11, 2009. Burial will follow at Spring Hill Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at Spring Hill Baptist Church from 6 until 8 p.m. Friday, April 10, 2009, and following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Spring Hill Baptist Group Home Ministry or Area 3 Special Olympics, c/o Keith Haney Treasurer Area 3, P.O. Box 1408, Charlottesville, VA 22902.

Friends may sign the register book at www.hillandwood.com.


This obituary was originally published in the Daily Progress.

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Dear Jeannie,
I was surprised to hear of your loss and just want to say I was always thankful for the many ways Gene and you were so sweet and helpful to me and my kids. Obviously being Christian was important in your life; in death it will be the everlasting treasure. Peace to you and your family in Jesus.

Dear Nina and family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mitzi L. Pittman (I worked with Nina at Thiokol in the 70's)

Dear the Arnold family,

We sorry for your lose. Me and hy husband met Glen at the bowling last year he so nice.

Heather Campbell & Rob Campbell

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Dear Jeannie and Family,

My son and I are very saddend about your loss and although we knew Gene and you just from volunteering with Special Olympics it feels as if we have lost a part of family. He was one of the best people I have known my entire life because he was capable of giving so much to the community. Please be strong and we will keep you in our prayers.

Jeanie, Lorri and I have you and the entire family lifted up in prayers. The earth has lost a great warrior but Heaven gained a Saint. We love you guys because you are eternally our family. God Bless Sammy & Lorri Chick

Susan,
I just wanted you to know that you and your family are in my prayers.
Donna

Dear Arnold family,
We were so surprised and saddened to hear of Butch’s sudden passing. Mother would have been so deeply distressed for your loss. He was a nephew and cousin held in very high esteem.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Love,
Sydney, John, Brad and Nathan Payne
Midlothian, Virginia

Jeannie and Family,
Gene brought joy to everyone he touched. We know he has found his treasure in heaven. Our prayers of strength and comfort are with you and your family. We remember the joy and warmth of your home and family. He had a special Christlike way about himself in always giving to others. We will miss him.