Jacob Lee Arnold

ROCKY MOUNT – Jacob Lee Arnold passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 11, 2024, after 94 happy, healthy years of good life. Born in Nash County, NC on April 27, 1930, he was the son of the late Jacob Harboard Arnold and Bessie Lee Pittman Arnold. He was also preceded in death by his sisters, Mavis Ambler Arnold Dunn and Phyllis Geraldine Arnold Byrne; his brothers, Edsel Quinnion Arnold, James Hubert “Buddy” Arnold, and David Joel Arnold; and his brother-in-law, Billy Barnes. A man of strong faith, Jake was a lifelong and dedicated member of Edgemont Baptist Church for 67 years where he also served as a Deacon. He was a 1948 graduate of Rocky Mount High School. A proud veteran, he served in the United States Army and Army Reserves for 12 years until his honorable discharge. Following his initial active-duty service, Jake worked for the United States Postal Service for over 30 years until his retirement during which time he also attended Nash Community College earning his A.A. degree. A firm believer in giving back to his community, he was a Mason for 70 years belonging to the Queen City Lodge #602 and volunteering with Meals on Wheels for over 30 years. In his spare time, Jake enjoyed spending time woodworking, chair caning, reading, and spending time with his family and his cats and birds. Having lived a full and active life, he was quite proud of all of his achievements. A loving and dedicated husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and loyal friend to many, Jake will be deeply missed and never forgotten. Jake is survived by his wife of 71 years, Norma Jean Barnes Arnold; his daughters, Ginger Arnold Coleman (David) and Farley Arnold Phillips; his son, Jacob Arnold, II (Dawn); his grandchildren, Leigh Coleman Milbourn (Dave), Beth Coleman (Darrell), William Coleman (Alexandra), Caroline Phillips (Dillon), Jacob Lee Arnold, III (Anna), and Rachael Arnold (Billy); his great grandchildren, Landon, Everett, and Eliza Milbourn; his brother, Gene Grey Arnold (Lynne); and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and good friends. A Graveside Service to celebrate Jake’s life will be held on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Pineview Cemetery, 761 E. Raleigh Road, Rocky Mount, NC 27801, with Rev. Michael Edwards officiating with Masonic Rites to follow. Visitation with the family will be on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jake’s name to either Meals on Wheels of Rocky Mount, P.O. Box 7611, Rocky Mount, NC 27804, or to Edgemont Baptist Church, PO Box 7293, Rocky Mount, NC 27804, or to the Arnold Family Scholarship, Nash Community College Foundation, P.O. Box 7488, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.