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Lance Arnold Obituary
December 2, 1941 -
December 23, 2025
CHURCH HILL - Lance Morgan Arnold reunited with his wife of 59 years, Sarah Rose Nelson Arnold, on December 23, 2025, while surrounded by his immediate family. He was born on December 2, 1941, in Kingsport, TN to Kyle C. Arnold and Mary Lou Gray. He was forever grateful for the guidance and love of his stepfather, Luther E. Crawford, and blessed by the grace and love of his stepmother, Fannie Skelton.
After graduating from Church Hill High School and the University of Tennessee, Lance initially served his country in the Army before starting a 33-year career as a Special Agent with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS). His career led him and his family through West Virginia, Kentucky, Florida, Mississippi, Virginia, the Philippines, Maryland, and Rhode Island, and included service during the Vietnam War from 1969 – 1970. In addition to his civil career with the Navy, he served in the Naval Reserves as an Officer where he achieved the rank of Captain before retiring.
As a proud son of East Tennessee, he returned to Church Hill where he happily reconnected with the community and childhood friends. He was a member of McPheeter's Bend Baptist Church, the local VFW Post 9754, American Legion, and Military Officers Association. He was a dedicated supporter of all University of Tennessee sports teams and enjoyed golf, fishing, and hunting in his free time. He returned to the farmland of his youth and valued his cattle partnership with Joe Elsea.
Lance was preceded in death by his parents and beloved wife Sarah. He is survived by his sons, Charles (Chuck) of Plant City, FL, Kevin and wife Donna of Mechanicsville, MD and Lance Christian of Church Hill, TN; and by 5 grandchildren; Katherine, Andrew, Matthew, Rachel and Cole Arnold; sisters Janie Lafollette and husband Jim, Kathy Arnold, Peggy Waters and husband Russ; as well as many loving nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank everyone for their prayers, compassion, and generosity during this most difficult time. Thanks are expressed to the staff of the James H. Quillen VA Medical Center and Cassandra Rhoton from Cornerstone Caregiving. A special Thanks to Sandra Smith as she provided mental, physical, and spiritual care to Lance and the entire family. Her infectious joy and caring spirit sustained him to his final day.
A visitation will be held from 10:00 AM- 12:00 PM on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at Johnson-Arrowood Funeral Home in Church Hill, TN. A celebration of life service will follow in the funeral home chapel with Dr. Steve Holt officiating. A graveside service will follow in procession to McPheeters Bend Community Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the McPheeters Bend Community Cemetery, c/o Curtis Drinnon, 129 River Road, Church Hill, TN 37642.
To leave an online message for the Arnold family, please visit us at www.johnsonarrowoodfh.com.
Johnson-Arrowood Funeral Home of Church Hill is honored to serve the Arnold family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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Johnson-Arrowood Funeral Home320 Grandview Street PO Box 205, Church Hill, TN 37642
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