Norman Wendell Arnold

He was preceded in death by his parents Matt and Bertha H. Arnold and his siblings Ruth Thompson, Flo Bailey, Shirley Lewis and Harold Arnold.

He is survived by his wife, Cynthia Arnold; his children, Troy Arnold (Tracey) and Brittney Gardner (Jason); grandchildren Morgan Jennings (Chris); Mary-Kate Partin; Ann-Stallings Gardner, Mary-Hallman Gardner, Mackenzie Bowdoin (Hunter), and Blayne Battaglia; great grandchildren Braxton Jennings and Emersyn Jennings; sisters Linda Cox and Brenda Dial (Eddie) and a host of nieces and nephews.

Norman was raised in Brent, Ala., where he graduated from Bibb County High School. He attended The University of Alabama and was a lifelong fan of the Crimson Tide. A true patriot, his deep love for our state and nation led to a career of service. Norman served 38 years at the State of Alabama Military Department and 39 years as a public information officer for the Alabama National Guard. He found great enjoyment in being the speech writer for 12 adjutants general and the media spokesman for the Guard. He spent five years following his retirement serving as an ombudsman for the Employer Support of the Guard & Reserve organization.

On Sundays and Wednesdays, Norman could be found at Eastern Hills Baptist Church where he was a devoted member for 46 years, serving as a deacon, Sunday school teacher and kitchen server. Many Friday nights, Norman could be found wearing a white cap on an Alabama high school football field. His deep passion for sports was evident through the more than 25 years he spent officiating high school football and basketball with the Central Alabama Football and Basketball Officials Associations. He also served 30 years on the Jimmy Hitchcock Award Committee and was a board member of that organization.

Norman will be remembered for his kind disposition, quick wit, humble nature and strong work ethic. But most of all, he will be remembered for his deep love for his Savior Jesus Christ, for his family, and for his friends, especially his best friend, Al Steineker.

A celebration of life service will be held on Friday, April 3, 2026, at Eastern Hills Baptist Church in Montgomery at 2:00 p.m. with visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery.