Harry Stephen Arnold

Harry Stephen (Steve) Arnold who resided in Clearwater, FL, passed away suddenly on September 2. He was 69 years old. Steve was born in Chattanooga, TN. He graduated from Chattanooga Central High School where he lettered in football, basketball, and track and was a member of several clubs. He held school and district records in track for many years. He attended Tennessee Tech University on a track scholarship and was part of a conference championship team. Steve graduated in 1977 with a degree in journalism. After Steve's graduation from college, he began his career in the food brokerage business, working for Brach Candy and Frito-Lay, among many others. He also had side jobs as a sportswriter for various publications. His jobs took him to TN, AL, NC, TX, GA, CA, ND, and FL. He was currently serving as the VP of Sales and Marketing at Kimmie Candy and enjoyed working for the Reno-based company for many years. Steve had settled in Clearwater, FL and was living his best life. Steve was selected to the Central High School Athletics Hall of Fame. He stayed involved with his high school and university alumni associations and could be seen on the sidelines of many Tennessee Tech football games after graduation. He had recently joined another Tech teammate in establishing the Coach Noyes Scholarship Endowment. Steve proudly wore the purple and gold of the Central Purple Pounders and the Tech Golden Eagles. He was well-traveled and never met a stranger. Steve's smile lit up the room. He loved sports of all kinds and was a great armchair quarterback. Steve always loved being on the water and had recently purchased his dream boat, naming it "My Turn". He loved listening to live music. He was an accomplished harmonica player and drummer and a well-known member of the music scene in Clearwater. Steve brought the party with him everywhere he lived, and he lived life to the fullest. He had a family of friends at the beach as well as all over the country. He was well-loved and loved well and a loyal and supportive member of his family and community. He was a member of Oakwood Baptist Church in Chattanooga.

Steve was predeceased by his grandparents, Clarence and Helen Hayes and Harry and Jackie Arnold, his brother-in-law, Ronny Holder, and his parents, Harry and Betty Arnold. He is survived by his daughter Rachel Arnold of San Antonio, Texas, son Stephen Arnold (fiancée Ren) of Portland, Oregon, granddaughter and love of his life, Spencer Arnold, of San Antonio, and sister Jayne Holder of Chattanooga. He will also be remembered lovingly by his nieces, nephews, cousins, and numerous friends. Memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice, or to the TTU Foundation, with Coach Noyes Scholarship Endowment on the memo line. Gifts may be made online at www.tntech.edu, or mailed to University Advancement, 705 N. Dixie Avenue, Campus Box 5111, Cookeville, TN 38505.

A Celebration of Life was hosted by his Clearwater friends on September 14, at Coco's OG in Clearwater, FL. Future services are still pending.