Eli Boyd Arnold

Eli Boyd Arnold, 88, of Dayton, Texas passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 21, 2017 in Houston, Texas.

Visitation for Mr. Arnold will be 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 24, 2017 at the First United Methodist Church, Dayton.

Services will be 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, January 25, 2017 at the First United Methodist Church, Dayton. Interment will follow at Magnolia Park Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Pace-Stancil Funeral Home, Dayton.

Boyd was born November 16, 1928 in Springdale, Texas (just outside of Atlanta) to parents, Thomas "Todd" Hamilton Arnold and Elizabeth Skinner Arnold. He moved to Dayton in 1943 making Dayton his lifelong home. Boyd was a proud graduate of the Dayton High School class of 1946, where he was a member of the football team, class favorite and president of his senior class. In his early years Boyd worked for General Crude. In 1954 he and Turner Kirksey started a painting and drywall business, he later became part owner and partners with Joe and Bobby Harris at Pelco Construction. In 1981 Boyd and Patsie Arnold formed Arnold Construction and remained active in their business until their retirement in 2016. He and Patsie were so proud when people said "My home was Boyd Arnold built".

Boyd was very devoted to his church, the First United Methodist Church of Dayton. He served in all capacities throughout the years, chairman of the administrative board, board of trustees, chairman of the building committee, Sunday school teacher and superintendent of the youth department. He was always there when his church needed him to help in any way.

When his sons were young Boyd coached and supported them in Pee-Wee and Little League, he later became Baseball Commissioner. His love and encouragement for children was a driving force in the Dayton community as Boyd worked to make the Dayton City Park and the Parker Park a reality. His great-grandchildren always enjoy seeing the streets in the park named for Boyd and Patsie Arnold.

Boyd was a proud Bronco. He served as President on the Dayton School Board. He and Patsie were loyal fans and supporters thoughout his life. They followed the Broncos all over the state of Texas. The Pioneer Student's Association weekend was always a highlight of the spring where he enjoyed visiting with all of his classmates.

The Jones Library was one of Boyd's special projects. He worked tirelessly to raise funds and support this very important addition for Dayton. Boyd was extremely proud of the Dayton Community Center and the Senior Center where he served as President for several years.

He was a member of the Masonic Lodge #825 and a life member of the Elks Lodge.

Boyd and Gene Touchstone were the founding forces behind the formation of the Dayton Chamber of Commerce. They were just honored this past week for their dedication and hard work for the Chamber. Boyd was one of the first members and president of the Dayton Community Development Corporation. In 1989 Boyd was awarded Citizen of the Year from the Liberty-Dayton Chamber of Commerce.

Boyd was very influential in the lives of so many throughout the years. His character was steadfast, always modeling faithfulness and integrity. He was a friend to many, making you feel as if you were always a member of his family. He enjoyed talking to young people about the importance of being involved in their community and always encouraging them to carry on in his footsteps.

When someone said "Let's Go" Boyd and Patsie were packed and ready. So many wonderful memories were made and shared with their family and friends on the Frio River. Boyd's special bacon and pancakes alongside the river were enjoyed by all. From coast to coast and abroad, they loved to travel.

Boyd was preceded in death by parents, Thomas Hamilton "Todd" Arnold and Elizabeth Skinner Ogrodowicz and mother-in-law, Lillian Blount Clark.

He leaves behind his wife of 66 years, Patsie Clark Arnold of Dayton; sons, David and Connie Arnold of Liberty and Randel and Karen Arnold of Dayton.

David and Connie's children are daughter, Listi and Alan Sobba of Arlington, Virginia and children, George, Harris, Dave, and Lila; son, Clark and Genevieve Arnold of Houston, and children, Abigail and Teal; daughter, Catherine and Corey Carothers of San Marcos and children, Cate, Christopher, and Charlie; son, John and Meg Arnold of Dallas and children Elizabeth and Clark.

Randel and Karen's children are son, Todd and Alaina Arnold of Liberty and children, Emma and Ava; son, Dusty and Stacey Gatlin of Dayton and daughter, Kate; son, Andrew and Larissa Arnold of Dayton and children, Eli and Lillian; son, Mark Arnold and Brad Madrid of Dayton, daughter, Ellie and Matt Conn of Dayton and children, Caroline and Boyd; daughter, Kathleen Arnold of Dayton; son, Horace and Rachel Bridges of Dayton and children Madison, Ethan, and Mila.

Boyd is also survived by nieces, Linda Burney of Dayton, Karen Rowe Walker and husband Chuck of Conroe, and special cousin, Jane Waters of Dayton;

as well as numerous other relatives and a host of friends.

For those who desire memorials may be made to The First United Methodist Church of Dayton, P.O. Box 505, Dayton, Texas 77535 to the stained glass renovation fund.