Thomas "Tommy" L. Arnette

Tommy returned into the loving arms of his “first family” in heaven on February 2, 2025. He is loved by so many and if he loved you, you knew it without question. He was not a man to bet against, every obstacle presented to him was overcome with strength and determination. Everyone who loves him knows that if he was not picking on you about something, then things were terribly wrong. He was famous for his gorgeous white hair and joking personality. Many of us can confirm that we put on a few pounds due to Krispy Kreme doughnuts that he provided. This includes family, friends and staff at doctor’s offices and anyone that helped him. He was never happier than when he was with his family and if we were on the beach fishing, even better! He was a devoted husband for 60 years to his wife, Betty and loving father to Sheila and Tammy. He was preceded in death by his mother, Peggy O’Neal; father, Wade Arnette; brother, Johnny Arnette and his wife, Lucy Arnette; sister, Laura Gilchrist and her husband, Sandy Gilchrist. He is survived by his wife, Betty Lewis Arnette; daughters, Sheila Freeman and her husband, Brad Freeman; Tammy Schilling and her husband, Jason Schilling. Grandchildren; Jeffrey Caison and his wife Cameron Caison, Taylor Caison and Chad Martin, Nicole Manganello and her husband Anthony Manganello, Tanner Freeman and his wife Morgan Freeman, and Blair Freeman. Great-grandchildren: Kayden Manganello, Hudson Manganello, Zachariah Caison, Ellie Freeman and Zoey Caison. Beloved dog, Princess Abigail (Abby) misses him so much. He was blessed to have many nieces and nephews and “adopted” loved ones he cherished as his own children. He will be missed by all and we will forever carry him in our hearts. Tommy received wonderful care from many providers, staff and loved ones, of which we are eternally grateful as they allowed us more time with him. He passed away peacefully at Lower Cape Fear Lifecare. The care he received there was a blessing to all of us. The staff was attentive and compassionate to him and treated him with dignity and respect as a man, not as a patient. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to this amazing facility. In accordance with his wishes, we will not have a formal funeral service. Instead, please join the family as we celebrate his life as he would have preferred…simple, with lots of love and laughter. All family and friends, please come help us celebrate him at 388 Elam Drive, Rocky Point, NC 28457 on Saturday, February 8th at 3:00pm.

We can only pray that we all have at least a fraction of his strength and resiliency. Rest well, you have earned eternal peace. Until we get to hug you again when we see you waiting for us to return home.