Gene was born December 5, 1944 in Coleman, the son of Lester Arnold and Marie Bell Arnold. He grew up and attended school in Coleman. He served in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. He was a small engine mechanic and carpenter. Gene married Sandra Harris in 1999 in Brady. Gene and Sandra moved to Brownwood in 2008. Gene was a member of the Church of Christ.
Survivors include his wife, Sandra Arnold of Brownwood; four children, Ronald Arnold, Jr. and wife, Vhonda, of San Antonio, Mary Jane Scott and husband, Paul, of Winters, Diana Wilhelm and husband, Gary, of Anchorage, Alaska, Billy Arnold and wife, Stephanie, of Brady; two step-children, James Whitely and wife, Laura, of Midland; Teresa Crawford and husband, Danny, of Early; two sisters, Betty Shields and husband, Kenneth, of Merkel, Carolyn Perkins and husband, David, of Abilene; one sister-in-law, Linda Arnold of Coleman; 23 grandchildren, Amanda, Justin and Halie Richardson, Paul, Jr. and Shelby Scott, Ashley Sellers, Emmian, Conner and Carbin Wilhelm, Caylee and Brooklyn Arnold, Allysen, Brooke and Cara Cox, Amber, Amy and Josh Whitely, Alan, Justin and Cherish Atkinson, Kyla, Derek and Brandon Crawford; two great grandsons, Hunter Richardson, Aiden Scott and a great grandson yet to be born.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two infant sons, Jimmy and Gene Arnold and one brother, Ralph Arnold.
Family visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 8, 2012 at the funeral home.
Memorial donations may be made to West Texas Rehabilitation Center, 4601 Hartford, Abilene, Texas 79605-9989.
