W.H. Arnold
W.H. “Dub” Arnold, 87, of Hot Springs, Ark., passed away Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2023. As a family man with strong faith, he is now with the Lord in his heavenly home.
William Howard Arnold, known as Dub, was born May 19, 1935, in the Oakland Community, west of Arkadelphia. He was the son of Howard H. Arnold and Melvia Taylor Arnold. He was married to the love of his life, Betty Earlene Aud, and they had three children, Melinda Morris, Gary Arnold and Jennifer (Mark) Raabe. Dub and Earlene were blessed with seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Grandchildren include Jarrod (Laura) Morris, Clayton (Aubrey) Morris, Blake (Sam) Morris, Massey (Hannah) Arnold, Alexis (Stiles) Tate, Austin Raabe and Taylor Raabe. Great-grandchildren include Micah Morris, Keenan Morris, Jericho, Beckett Morris, Harper Morris and Mase Arnold.
Arnold’s career began with Southern Farm Bureau in Hazen while he commuted to Little Rock at night to attend law school. Upon graduation, he returned to Arkadelphia, where he practiced law and began a successful career in politics including: prosecuting attorney for the 8th Judicial District (1969-1972), appointed chairman of the Arkansas Workers’ Compensation Commission by Gov. Dale Bumpers (1973-1977), Clark County Municipal judge (1979-1980), prosecuting attorney of the 9-E Judicial District (1981-1990), and Circuit Chancery judge of the 9th Judicial District East (19911996). Arnold ended his career as chief justice of the Arkansas Supreme Court beginning in 1996 and retired from the position in 2003.
Arnold was preceded in death by his father, mother and two sisters.
A celebration of life service will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 6, at First Baptist Hot Springs, 2350 Central Ave., Hot Springs, Ark. Visitation will take place prior to the service from 12:30-1:45 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the ministries of First Baptist Hot Springs.
Arrangements are entrusted to Ruggles-Wilcox Funeral Home, 517 Clay St., Arkadelphia, Ark.