OBITUARY
John Lee Arnold
December 11, 1939 – November 14, 2012
John L. Arnold passed away November 14, 2012 after an extended illness. John was born December 11, 1939 to Dorothy and Arthur Arnold in Terre Haute, Indiana.
John moved to Naples with the family in 1959 where he owned the Naples Five & Dime, Arnold’s Variety Store and Gulf Sporting Goods. John entered into the family real estate business and became a partner in the Arnold Family Limited Partnership and other real estate holdings.
John was an active member of the Moose Lodge, Elks Lodge and the Naples Sailing and Yacht Club.
His love of the sea was surpassed only by his love for family. His yacht, Solitaire, was frequently seen in the Bahamas and Caribbean Islands.
John is survived by his wife of 49 years, Annette; son Lee Arnold (Lisa), daughter Tara Williams (Sean); Brother Don Arnold and four grandchildren, Demi, Bailee, Kealyn and Camden.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, November 17 from 4:00 until 5:00pm at Hodges Funeral Home at Naples Memorial Gardens. A memorial service will begin at 5:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in John’s name to the American Heart Association.
Services
- Visitation Saturday, November 17, 2012
- Memorial Service Saturday, November 17, 2012
REMEMBERING
John Lee Arnold
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RECEIVE UPDATESDecember 13, 2012
Annette and family,
We were so sorry that we weren't in town when John passed away. We hold dear the memories of seeing him shortly before he passed in his big leather chair watching football. We have so many happy memories and we know that he is smiling down on all of us now. He is missed and we think of him often. Our hearts go out to you and your family.
~ Jim and Jan Lowdermilk
December 11, 2012
John, Well it was a great run. Many memories of crusing the open seas. Rest assured that the family is fine with everything that you have done fore them. Fair weather and calm seas on your next venture. Don And Clara
Tara Williams
December 11, 2012
Dad I just wanted to say happy birthday today! I am still in disbelief that you are not here with us. We are having your annual tacos for your birthday dinner tonight! I want to call you to say happy birthday but it will have to do in my prayers. Much love your little flower!
Demi Williams
December 4, 2012
Papa,
Not a day will go by that I will not miss you. I have learned a lot from you over the years, I'll never forget the time you taught me how to drive on the highway for the first time. We were coming up to downtown Alanta in rush hour, I was so nervous but you told me I'll do just fine and I did. You had all the confidence in the world that I could do it, and I'll never forget that. I have so many memorable moments with you that i will cherish forever. I find comfort in knowing that you're watching over me and our family. I love you Papa, Rest In Paradise ?
John W. Nieves
November 23, 2012
May God Bless you always along with all your family. My the angels be with you always and holy Ghost be with you.
John & Kathy Ustica
November 20, 2012
Annette and Family. Sorry to hear of John's passing. I respected him and will miss our relationship. I still remember our first meeting at the Cove Inn almost 25 years ago like it was yesterday. Our prayers are with you.
Connie Nagele
November 20, 2012
Annette & Family,
I am sorry for you loss. John was special and he will be missed.
Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts
BOB MEGEE
November 20, 2012
ANNETTE,DON AND FAMILY.
I AM SO SORRY TO HEAR OF YOUR LOSS.
HE IS A GOOD MAN AND FRIEND AND HE WILL ALWAYS HAVE SMOOTH SAILING.
Glenna Tolson
November 20, 2012
Anette,Lee,Tara and families,
My daughters and I share in your sorrow in John's passing, but take comfort in knowing he is at peace. I am honored to have known him.
Love, Glenna
mary ladd tait
November 19, 2012
Dear John, We all gathered and prayed, it was a comforting and special goodbye. We will all miss you.
November 19, 2012
Sry for your loss Dean. Thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
Dean Arnold
November 19, 2012
Uncle John, Thank you for all the memories. You will be missed. All my love to Annete, Lee, Tara and families.
Ellie Lowe
November 18, 2012
To all the Arnold family! I send my blessings to you for having John with you for such a long time to enjoy many special occasions and sharing all your love with him. He will be misssed by the many who were fortunate enough to have him as a friend. Happy sailing John.
November 18, 2012
John told us never start a cruise on Friday ~ John's eternal cruise started on Wednesday. Our sincere sympathy to the Arnold family. Bob & Andy Utter
November 17, 2012
Departing pier 73 - "SOLITAIRE" - Smooth Sailing our good friend
Mark and Judy Hill
Dani Doane
November 17, 2012
I was so sorry to hear the news from my brother Jimmy. John was always so wonderful to us. And the Bahamas would never have been the same without him! He was truly an amazing human being. Annette - my thoughts and prayers are with you and I just want you to know how much we loved John and valued both of your friendships. Love Dani
November 17, 2012
John was the Biggest and Sweetest Teddy Bear I ever met. His smile will be what I will remember most each time I think of him. John was always very positive and happy whenever I saw him. May his journey now be on calm seas only! Sincere condolences to all in the Arnold family, especially Nettie! Love you! Jo and Tom O'Reilly
November 17, 2012
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy on your loss. You are in our prayers during this difficult time.
The Guarneri Family
Cynthia, Jay and Darlene
Mary Ladd Tait
November 17, 2012
Dear John, My good friend for so much of my life, I will miss you. Bless Annette, your children, grandchildren, and your family. May the sea be calm for you now.
Marlene, Sharon, Alex
November 17, 2012
To Annette and family, Our condolences and prayers are with you. The Martens
Sean Williams
November 17, 2012
Papa,
We had wonderful times together, especially with all of our holidays together. Tonya, Mema, Pepa, and I are all thinking of you. John is in our thoughts and prayers. We appreciate everything you have done.
Love,
Tonya,Mema,Pepa, and I
John Hawking
November 17, 2012
Annette & Family, So sorry to hear of John's passing. Glad I was able to see John & you at the hospital about a month ago. I know all of his friends at the Moose Club are sad to not be able to see him again, & will miss him dearly. Once again, so sorry for your loss. He was a great gin player & will be greatly missed.
November 17, 2012
Lee,Lisa,Kealyn and Camden- we are so sorry for the loss of your dad and grandfather. You are in our thoughts and prayers. The Burton's
American Heart Association
November 17, 2012
May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.
Cynthia Brack Jensen
November 16, 2012
Annette, so sorry to hear about your loss When I think of John I remember our youth in Naples and how he dearly loved you.
Camden Arnold
November 16, 2012
papa, I loved watChing the race with you itwas the best times ive been over there and your in the best place in heaven and if you do not like kyle bush I stIll LOVE you very much all of my HEART! love CAMDEN YOUR#1 grandSON
November 16, 2012
Lee, Lisa, Kealyn and Camden..Your Father and Grandfather sounded like an amazing man...Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this troubled time...Thoughts and prayers...The Guelfi's.
Janet and Jim Martin
November 16, 2012
Our thoughts and Prayers are with the family. John was a wonderful person and will be missed by all his friends.
November 16, 2012
Annette,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. John was a dear friend of mine. I have many fond memories of the good times we had together in the early days of our youth in Naples.
God Bless,
Bill Watkins
Vevian Makram
November 16, 2012
sincere condolences to the Arnold and William family. He will be in our prayers.
Terry and Peggy McGee
November 16, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Arnold family for the loss of John. We have many happy memories of our friends in the Arnold family.
Drexel Bootle
November 16, 2012
Our sincere condolences to the entire Arnold family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Drexel "Jackie"& Manuletha Bootle (Treasure Cay, Abaco, Bahamas)
November 16, 2012
Our sincere condolences to the entire family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Drexel "Jackie"& Manuletha Bootle (Treasure Cay, Abaco, Bahamas)
Bill Bibo
November 16, 2012
My sincere and heartfelt condolences to the entire Arnold Family.
I knew you back when....
Franklin and Kathy Adams
November 16, 2012
Dear Arnolds: We enjoyed many years of shared holidays and events with John at the Don Arnold home. He put up a very valiant fight over the past few years and he will be missed. Our hearts are with Annette and all the Arnolds.
JoAnn Anderson
November 16, 2012
Dearest Tara and Family, You have my deepest sympathy; but know your Dad is now at peace. May God be with all of you..
November 16, 2012
we will miss him. learn alot about boating from him. richard&helen
November 16, 2012
To Brother Don and the Arnold Family...Know that you are thought of in our prayers. And to you John, keep the jib-up, rudder straight, and you will sail 'home'. RIP my friend.
The 'Hank' Caballero Family
Naples ~ (formally King Ins. on 5th Av S)...
Bailee Williams
November 16, 2012
Papa~
I bet you are somewhere on the water, having the best time! It doesn't feel real to me but, i know you can do anything you want without Nettie bugging you!! You get to have a glass of wine whenever you want now:) Love you forever and always!!!
Your "favorite" grandchild,
Bailee
Tara Williams
November 16, 2012
Dad you are within our hearts & memory forever!Your love is like a rock! RIP Love you to the moon and back!!! Tara XOXO
November 16, 2012
John,
We had a lot of fun together in the past. Haven't seen you in years but will miss you.
Jerry and Karen Alexander
DOUG SWALLEN
November 16, 2012
John, you will be missed, it was a GREAT pleasure to have know you and worked for you, Doug
November 16, 2012
Oh Annette I am So Sorry _You all have been in my mind especially now-I love you all our memorieres go on foreever -peace be with you- God Bless Love. Kristen Diefenthaler
November 16, 2012
John is an unforgettable character and we will always smile when we think of him...he loved life, his family and friends, and his Solitaire. Rest in peace, old friend, we love you! Jon and Sally Lowdermilk
November 16, 2012
Captain John, old buddy, I will miss you! We shared many seas and ports, rough seas and calm. Fair winds, skipper!
Glen Fadden (Clinton N.C.)
Randy & Sandy Acres
November 16, 2012
John, We are going to miss you and your sense of humor. We will always have the memories shared while cruising the Bahamas and the Keys. The angels are lucky to have you to make them laugh.
CHANSEE ARNOLD
November 16, 2012
My sincere condolences to the entire Arnold family!
November 16, 2012
For the Arnold: I am Ila Dykiga, mother of Julie Hilburn. I was sad to hear of John's passing, but knew he had not been well for a long time. My thoughts and prayers are with each of you.
Julie will not be here for the service as she is leaving Colo. today (11/16) and will not arive until late Sunday.
God Bless each of you.
Chris Esposito
November 15, 2012
John,
Just a word from your sister in law. So many thanks for all your love and assistance over the years. We will all miss you so much.
Love Chrisy and Ron
Lisa Arnold
November 15, 2012
Papa-thank you for the gift of yourself to all of us. My father on earth for the past 23 years and an angel now in my life. I love you all my heart!
XOXOXO, Lisa