William W Arnold Jr.

Bill Arnold of Homewood, 87, passed away on September 17, 2021. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Gayle, parents William Walter and Hattie Mae Merritt Arnold, and brothers-in-law Clark Lewis and Paul Edfeldt. He is survived by his daughter Katie Shockley (Steve), his son Merritt Arnold (Amy) of Athens, GA, his grandchildren Morgan Arnold, Cameron Arnold, and Sadie Arnold, his sisters-in-law Sue Edfeldt of Vestavia Hills and Frieda Lewis of Attalla and several nieces and nephews. Bill was born in Selma and grew up in Brewton. He attended Alabama Polytechnic Institute (Auburn University), where he studied architecture, sang with the Auburn Octet and was active in the Kappa Sigma fraternity, and graduated in 1957. He served as a planning engineer in the United States Air Force, stationed in Plattsburgh, NY and Toule, Greenland, where he started a glee club. He moved to Birmingham in 1960 and married Gayle in 1964. He worked as an architect in the Birmingham area and retired from Southern Building Code Congress International in 1999. Bill and Gayle joined Trinity United Methodist Church in Homewood in 1970, where they were active in the Sanctuary Choir, Trinity Singers, and the Aldersgate Sunday School class. He was active in the Walk to Emmaus community. His work with family genealogy led to memberships with the Jamestowne Society and Sons of the American Revolution. Bill loved to tell stories, especially of his childhood, and scrapbook all the happenings in his life, including travels to 49 states, six Canadian provinces, and several European countries. He enjoyed singing, teaching, and visiting with friends. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Trinity United Methodist Church. Visitation will be Monday, September 20, 2021, at 1:00 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church followed by worship at 2:00 p.m. and burial at Elmwood Cemetery.