Charles L. "Chuck" Arnold

Charles L. 'Chuck' Arnold of River Ridge, LA passed away on January 14, 2017 at the age of 74 at Canon Hospice after a lengthy illness. Chuck was born to Dudley and Lucille Arnold in Albany, GA on September 11, 1942, but the family transitioned to New Orleans during his early years. Chuck attended Thibodaux College for high school, and he graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, LA. He then began teaching and coaching in the Jefferson Parish Public School System. However, as his young family grew, he quickly transitioned to a more secure position building push-boats with his father. As the business flourished, Chuck took on his father's work ethic, attention to detail, and skill as a negotiator. Eventually, Chuck began his marine business with the business they built together. Chuck always cherished the time he spent working alongside his father during this portion of his life. Chuck was also greatly influenced by his mother, taking on her immense love of cooking. He deeply enjoyed sharing the food he prepared with others and frequently hosted fish fries, wild game dinners, and holiday parties for large groups of his friends and family. Chuck also took pleasure in competitive cooking, and he made a name for himself participating in a host of events, including the HGA Gumbo Festival. He treasured the friendships he made in these settings, and during the late 1970s, Chuck's reputation as a cook led him to develop lasting friendships with several members of the New Orleans Saints organization. He was known within the organization for his gregarious and generous nature, and he was honored to cook for members of the team and staff on many occasions over the years, including NFL Drafts and Rookie Days. Chuck became a member of the Krewe of Okeanos during the 1990s, and he enjoyed the years he spent with the krewe. Chuck served as their King of Carnival in 2009, and to this day, the back of the seat on the King's float bears the name "Gloria" as the result of a prank he and a friend played during that carnival. Chuck also loved to fish, spend time at his vacation home in Grand Isle, and travel in his motor home. After quickly becoming restless in retirement, Chuck's interest in motor homes led him to open Stepper RV Services in 2008 as a "hobby." This lasted for several years, and he continued to enjoy the RV community as he and his wife Beverly traveled. Chuck is survived by his loving wife Beverly Oxford of River Ridge; daughters Alexandra Arnold of New York, NY and Arielle Arnold of Savannah, GA; stepchildren Capt. Sean M. Stuntz USAF, his wife Corie, and their daughter Riley of Dayton, OH and Shannon Stuntz Nichols and her husband Derek of Tupelo, MS; Step-mother Verdie Arnold of New Orleans; grandchildren Sarah and Michael Degeyter; cousin Katherine Simms; sister Elouise Chiasson; and many nieces and nephews. Chuck was predeceased by his parents, Dudley Arnold and Lucille Arnold. His greatest heartbreaks in life occurred with the passing of daughters Kerry Arnold Degeyter (2011) and Jennifer "G.G." Arnold (2007), both cherished by all. The family would like to thank the employees of Canon Hospice, Excel Home Health Care (especially the physical therapists Lauren and Jennifer), his personal physician Dr. Patricia Estrada, and extraordinary caregivers Ardean Mack and Tasha Mack. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or the charity of your choice. Friends, former employees of Stepper Towing Incorporated and Stepper RV Services, employees of John W. Stone Oil Distributors, employees of Dekle Drugs, and employees of Ragusa's Supermarket are invited to join the family at Garden of Memories Funeral Home, 4900 Airline Drive in Metairie, LA on Wednesday, January 18, 2017. Visitation will be held at 12:00 pm, followed by the service at 2:00 pm. Interment will be in Garden of Memories Cemetery. Online condolences may be offered at www.gardenofmemoriesmetairie.com.