Charles Edward Arnold, aged 93, peacefully departed this life on the morning of Thursday, February 20, 2025, at Henry Ford Hospital. He was born on July 10, 1931, in Lexington, Tennessee, to the late John W. and Mattie E. Arnold. Charles was the 4th oldest of nine siblings. Charles attended and became a member of Jacks Creek Baptist Church where he was baptized at early age.
Charles graduated from Montgomery High School, where he participated in numerous athletic sports. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. In 1954 Charles married his sweetheart Olympthy Fry. From this union four children were born, Marian, Audrey, Keith, and Kenneth.
Charles dedicated 26 years of his life to military service, showing unwavering commitment throughout his career. His military journey included service during the Korean War, in Saudi Arabia, and two tours in Vietnam, as well as time spent in the support zone in Okinawa, Japan. After retiring from Grissom Air Force Base, he made his home in Jackson, MI. He became a member of Lily Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Pastor George Wade where he became a Deacon. He continued to serve as a deacon under Pastor James L. Hines where he ultimately served as the chairman of the deacons' ministry, a role he held for 37 years until his passing.
Charles had a deep love for music and enjoyed singing. As a young man, he sang with his five cousins in a group called Heaven Bound Gospel Singers. He enjoyed cooking, loved hunting, and cherished spending time with his family. His love for music and connection with others made him a great devotional leader, often greeting others with “beloved” before singing “Down At The Cross.”
In 2018 he married Alverta Rice, with whom he enjoyed seven nurturing years of a beautiful marriage. Alverta was his anchor for his twilight years. You could always see them supporting each other worshipping in the beauty of holiness. As they lived out on Cooper Street you could always find a house that stayed a home.
Proceeding him in death were his father, John W. Arnold; his mother Mattie E. Arnold, his late wife Olympthy; his son Keith, and daughter Audrey Arnold; four sisters Lucille, Raymell, Mary, and Shirley; two brothers O’Neill, and William.
He leaves to cherish his memory, his beloved wife Alverta Arnold; his daughter Marian, his son Kenneth, (Patricia); sisters Robbie Griffin, and Dorothy Smith; grandchildren Jerome, Tiffany (Grant), Chantelarese, Alexandra, and daughter-in-law Theresa Arnold; stepchildren Earl (Lela) Smith Jr, Tunisha Harrison (Riccardo), Jonathan Rice (Jamilia), and Nathanael Rice (Brittany).
He also leaves to cherish his memory Pastor Hines and the Lily Missionary Baptist Church family, along with numerous family members and friends. Charles will be greatly missed; our shared memories will remain timeless. He will always hold a place in our hearts.
Visitation will be held Thursday, February 27, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Lily Missionary Baptist Church, 1117 W.G. Wade Dr., Jackson, Michigan. A Homegoing Service will be held on Friday, February 28, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Lily Missionary Baptist Church with family hour being held from 10:00 AM until the time of service. Charles will be laid to rest in Woodland Cemetery.
