John Ward Arnold

John Ward Arnold, age 86, resident of Somerville, Tennessee and husband of the late Edna Downs Arnold, departed this life Wednesday evening, June 26, 2024 at the National HealthCare Center in Somerville.

John was born November 29, 1937 in Columbia, Tennessee, the son of the late Thomas Edward Arnold and Edna Horner Arnold. He graduated from East High School in 1956 and served his country in the United States Air Force as an Airman 3rd Class. Mr. Arnold was employed as a licensed optician for 45 years before his retirement in 2003.

John worked for Sun Studios during their golden era and later owned The Music Factory recording studio. He was a railroad enthusiast and guitar enthusiast and collector who was considered by his friends to be a professional guitar player. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather. Just hours after his death, was John and Edna’s 38th wedding anniversary, so they were able to celebrate together in Heaven.

Mr. Arnold is survived by his daughter, Lisa Dunn of Paducah, KY; his stepdaughter, Gail Davis (Ronnie) of Cape Town, South Africa; his stepson, Brian Suratt (Rachel) of Brighton, TN; his daughter-in-law, Kelli Marks; eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his son, John Arnold and his sister, Janis Boyle.

Funeral Services for Mr. Arnold were held at 2 P.M. Tuesday, July 2, 2024 at First Baptist Church of Somerville with Bro. Stan Smith officiating. Interment followed in Fayette County Memorial Park Cemetery on Highway 64.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers were Samuel Davis. Honorary pallbearers will be Ron Thompson and Tommy Perkins.

The family requests that memorials be directed to St. Jude Memorial Giving, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959.