Howard Arnold of Hernando, FL passed away at Citrus Memorial Hospital on January 21, 2021 at the age of 85. Howard was born to the late Alyse (Spooner) and Morris Howard Arnold, Sr. in River Junction, FL on February 3, 1935. He proudly served his country as a member of the United States Navy. Following his time in the military, Howard began a long career in Law Enforcement. He worked for the City of Jacksonville as a Police Officer, the Citrus County Sheriff’s Department then the Lake County Sheriff’s Department. When he wasn’t on street duty with the police department, he was doing public relations work for the Police Department. Howard also taught defensive tactics for women classes in Jacksonville. Howard made Citrus County his home in 1984 after relocating from Jacksonville. He was the founder of the Officer Friendly Program in Citrus County, Jacksonville and Lake County and took many children on an exciting trip to Washington, DC. Howard was very dedicated to the youth of Florida and tried to make an impact on their lives. He volunteered his time to coach football and basketball at the YMCA over the years. Howard was very charismatic and a “people person” who loved to tell stories.
Those left to mourn Howard’s passing include his loving wife of 67 years, Barbara Arnold; daughters: Marci Lockliear of Inverness, Tammy Grubb of Tega Cay, SC; son, Rock Arnold of Atlanta, GA; grandchildren: Stephanie Billick, Rachel Billick, Christopher Aaron Grubb, Cassie Grubb, Devon Miller; and great granddaughter, Hailey Billick. In addition to his parents, Howard was preceded in death by his son, Christopher Scott Arnold in April of 1983 and grandson, Brad Parker in February of 2018.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service is scheduled for Saturday, February 6, 2021 at 11:00 AM at the Chas E. Davis Funeral Home in Inverness and will be conducted by Dan Rushing, Associate Pastor of Friendship Baptist Church of Ocala. Friends are invited to join the family in visitation beginning at 10:00 AM until the hour of service. The family would like to request that those attending the service bring a flower with them to the service. Howard always said he wanted everyone to bring a flower to his funeral so he could look down and see how many people attended his service. Arrangements are under the care of the Chas E. Davis Funeral Home with Crematory, Inverness, FL.
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