Bryan Preston Arnold

Bryan Preston Arnold (more fondly known as BA) was born on June 3, 1966, in Avon Park, Florida. He was celebrating his 51st birthday with his family at the beach on June 3 this year when he was unexpectedly taken from us.

Bryan loved baseball. He played with the Red Devils of Avon Park High School and continued his education in college while participating in baseball competitions through college. He was a catcher for Florida Southern's Moccasins when the team won the national championship for NCAA Division II in 1988. After briefly pursuing a professional career, he decided to return to Florida, married the love of his life, Angie Kay (Bartlemay), and for the last 28 years they were inseparable. Bryan became a master tile setter and subcontracted in the Winter Haven area for many years. But he couldn't shake the home plate sand from his cleats, so he played on weekends with a professional softball league. Bryan was voted into the Independent Softball Association's Hall of Fame at the annual convention in November 2007.

When his daughter Kaylie was born, the out of town ballgames lost their appeal and he preferred to stay closer to his family. Working with young kids and coaching them in sports was one of his greatest pleasures so he opened Cage Rage in Winter Haven. Coaching kids and seeing them progress in batting and other baseball skills was a highlight of his life. The young people who were fortunate enough to learn baseball skills were also blessed from having been mentored by him and exposed to his quiet, caring, and patient leadership. There were a legion of players that he influenced and whose lives he touched. It is through these players that his spirit will remain in the game.

Bryan was an avid hunter. He and his cousin, Scott Lewis, were particularly close and frequently hunted on the Lewis family farm in Georgia. Most of the time, there was venison in the freezer following these outings. His daughter, Kaylie, also became a skilled hunter and harvested her first deer in November of 2016. These hunting trips and so many other outings with her special dad will provide cherished memories in years to come.

Bryan was predeceased by his father, Donald Clayton Arnold. He leaves wonderful memories of loving and happy times with his wife Angie and daughter Kaylie. He is also survived by his devoted mother, Gloria Fay (Mallard) Arnold, and loving brother, Steve Arnold (Mary), two sisters in law, Carrie Ott (Mark) and Stacie Muse (Chris), two nieces, Casey Arnold and Mollie Muse, and nephews David Arnold, Max Muse, Garrett Ott and Owen Ott. There are a multitude of aunts, uncles, cousins, and loyal friends who loved him dearly and will miss him so much.

A Memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church, 637 6th St. NW, Winter Haven, at 10 am on June 9th. Flowers may be sent to Ott-Laughlin Funeral Home, 2198 K-ville Ave., Auburndale, Florida 33823.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Life Fund for Bryan Arnold at www.gofundme.com. If you would like to privately donate, please contact [email protected].