He was born in Murfreesboro, Tennessee and was a longtime resident of the Chattanooga area. Harry was a devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather and was known as “GGP” to his great granddaughters. Harry was a 1948 graduate of Chattanooga Central High School where he was very active in sports. He retired from DuPont with over 43 years of service. Harry was an active member of Oakwood Baptist Church where he served on many committees. He was a member of the Chattanooga Tennis Association where he continued to play until he was 85 years old. He and his partners won several local, state and regional tournaments. Harry was named a distinguished alumni of Central High School, where he was President of the Booster Club and instrumental in building the current football field at Central. He was an avid Mocs fan and longtime season ticket holder for the football and basketball teams. Harry was a youth baseball coach for many years at Lakeside Recreation and still today several men refer to him as “Coach”. After retirement Harry would write poetry for his family and loved ones on special occasions, and he also loved to travel with his wife and friends. He was a very selfless man who wanted nothing but the very best for his family and friends.
Harry was preceded in death by his beloved wife of over 70 years, Betty Hayes Arnold; son-in-law, Ronny Holder; parents, Harry and Jackie Arnold; brother, Jerry Arnold and sister, Jackie Billingsley.
He is survived by his daughter, Jayne Holder; son, Steve Arnold; 5 grandchildren, Amy (Sean) Gailey, Julie (Bo) Powell, Andy Holder, Stephen Arnold and Rachel Arnold; 3 great grandchildren, River Gailey, Spencer Arnold, and Marigold “Goldie” Powell; brother, Larry Arnold; several nieces.
The family will receive friends from 4 to 8 pm on Sunday, June 30, and 10:30 to 11:30 am on Monday, July 1, at the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home.
A Celebration of Life service for Harry will follow at 11:30 am on Monday at the North Chapel with Reverend Ken Clark officiating. Burial will be at Hamilton Memorial Gardens.
Memorial contributions may be made to Oakwood Baptist Church, 4501 Bonny Oaks Drive, Chattanooga, TN 37416 or UTC Athletics, in care of UC Foundation, Department 6806, 615 McCallie Ave., Chattanooga, TN 37403.
Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343.
