Gene Grey Arnold
December 31, 1936 ~ May 8, 2026
Born in: Nash County, NC
Resided in: Rocky Mount, NC
ROCKY MOUNT – Gene Grey Arnold, age 89, passed away on Friday, May 8, 2026. Born in Nash County, NC on December 31, 1936, he was the son of the late Jacob Herbert Arnold and Bessie Cooper Arnold. He was also preceded in death by his son, Michael “Lee” Arnold.
Gene graduated from Rocky Mount Senior High School and then attended Wilmington College, which is now UNC-Wilmington. Gene and Lynne married in 1957 and returned to Rocky Mount where he purchased 25% ownership of the Dairy Bar. After 10 years, he sold his interest in the Dairy Bar and was employed by Hardee’s Food Systems where he embarked on a 24 year business career. During his time at Hardee’s, he was responsible for operating the Sunsphere Restaurant, which was the theme structure of the 1982 World’s Fair in Knoxville, TN. After retiring from a successful career at Hardee’s at the age of 53, Gene entered State politics by being elected to the NC House of Representatives. He was the first republican elected to the NC House from Nash County since reconstruction in the 1800’s. He was also elected to the Board of Directors of the prestigious Governor Jim Hunt Institute of Education and Political Leadership. Gene was guest host on local radio talk shows. He was a guest panelist on the popular NCSPIN television show and WRAL-TV. Gene was a Fellow of the North Carolina Institute of Political leadership and served on the board of directors for several years. He was a past president of the Rocky Mount Kiwanis Club and served on the board of directors of Nash Community College Board of Visitor’s for many years. He also was a member of the UNC-Wilmington Board of Visitors and Wesleyan University Board of Visitors. Gene received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine in 2018, the States highest recognition of an individual for public service. He was also a 32nd degree Mason and member of Queen City Lodge#602. Gene was an active member of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church as a Lay Eucharistic Minister and served in several leadership capacities over the years. After fully retiring, he spent a lot of his time on the golf course and occasional quail hunting trips. He also dabbled in woodworking and growing roses. Gene was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather and will be dearly missed by all those who knew him.
Gene is survived by his wife of 67 years, Lynne Shannon Arnold; his daughter, Lisa Davis Sullivan; his son, Gene Grey Arnold, II; his grandchildren, Michael “Lee” Arnold, II and Olivia Krissin Arnold; his great-grandchildren, Jax Hand and Ryver Naccarato.
A Memorial Service to celebrate Gene’s life be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 1:00 PM at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 301 S. Circle Drive, Rocky Mount, NC 27804 with Rev. Les Carpenter officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Gene’s memory to St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 301 S. Circle Drive, 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.
Services
Memorial Service: Tuesday, May 19, 2026 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
St. Andrew's Episcopal Church
301 S. Circle Drive
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
(252) 443-2070
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Charities
The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in Gene Grey Arnold 's name.
St. Andrew's Episcopal Church
301 S. Circle Drive
Rocky Mount,
NC
27804
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A favorite conversation with Gene was his participation in construction of the Sunsphere for the World’s Fair Park in Knoxville, TN. Harold and I shared news clippings with him with updates and renovations over the years. He was a Rocky Mount celebrity and asset to North Carolina. His dedication to the RMHS Class of ‘59 is remembered and appreciated.
So sad to hear that Gene, a truly fine man has passed away. He accomplished so much in His life and will be missed by so many. To Grey, will make sure MeLinda knows of your loss. Praying 🙏 for peace for all the Family. Linda Stone
Mrs Arnold, Lisa and Grey thinking of u during this difficult time. My prayer is peace and comfort for all. Mr Arnold touched the lives of many and will be remembered for his kindness.
Gene and I worked together at Hardee’s like a great many of his friends. Gene was a delightful person to work with. But many of his friends do not know what a great athlete Gene was. During the World’s Fair in Knoxville in early September, the Tennessee Volunteers had just expanded their Neyland Stadium to over 100,000 seats. Tennessee was to play the Duke Blue Devils, a team my father coached. Gene wanted to go to that game, and I wanted to go to Knoxville to see it. The trade was, I got a free ride out on the Hawker if I could get Gene and Art Haggis tickets to the game. When I said I could, Gene immediately chimed in, “and we want side-line passes too!” That was not so easy as I could only get two of those. Gene had no problem, he said, “Art will get the first half and I’ll take the second half.” Well, the game was a barn burner. Tennessee was a three-touchdown favorite, but Duke held their own. With the game tight in the second half and Duke down less than a score, Tennessee kicked off after a field goal. It went deep to Duke’s return man who cut to our side of the field. Gene was jumping up and down, and as the back approached the sideline near us, he turned up field. As I turned around to watch him run up the sideline, Gene was right with him, stride-for-stride yelling come-on! Run, run! He ran right to the end zone with Gene just a few steps behind him. It was genuinely surreal to see this. The winning score and a 40-something man was sprinting in street shoes on turf in-pace with a 20-year-old football player. Such was Gene. Always full of surprises! A man who enjoyed life and what he did. So happy to have known him and worked with him during my time at Hardee’s. Rest in Peace Geno.