It is with utmost respect, we announce the passing of Mr. Willie Lee Arnold, Ph. D., 78, of Eustis, FL, who departed this earthly life on Saturday, May 23, 2026. 

A Memorial Service Celebrating Mr. Arnold's life will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Philadelphia Missionary Baptist Church, 555 Fulford Road, Monticello, FL 32344.

All resolutions may be submitted to: tillmanfh1931@gmail.com.

Dr. Willie L. Arnold, Ph.D. was born in Monticello, Florida on May 28, 1947, to Adam Jones and  Sallie Mae Arnold. At the age of ten, Willie's mother died from injuries sustained in a tragic automobile accident. He and his younger four siblings were then raised by his doting maternal grandmother, Mattie Hodge-Miller.

Early education for Dr. Arnold was attained in the public schools of Jefferson County. In 1964, he graduated from Monticello's then-all black Howard Academy High School. He was a skilled trombonist and President of the Concert Band. Following graduation, Dr. Arnold served active duty in three branches of the armed forces: the Army, the Air Force, and the Navy. Altogether, he served faithfully for eleven years as a combat medic, Corpsman, and jet aircraft pilot. After his honorable discharge from the Air Force, Dr. Arnold began what would become 30 years as a Corporate Manager for America National Can Company in Jacksonville, Florida.

One who always valued education, Dr. Arnold earned his Bachelor's degree in Biology from University, a Master's degree in Education from Florida A&M University (FAMU), a second Master's in Business Management from Walden University, and a Doctorate degree in Public Health Administration from Walden University.

For a young man from little Monticello, Florida, Dr. Arnold distinguished himself as a true Renaissance man. Dr. Arnold was a proud lifetime member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated. A man who loved flying, Dr. Arnold who obtained his Private and Commercial Pilot Fixed-Wing Airplane and Balloonist licenses and certifications at North Florida Flight Academy. In his leisure, Dr. Arnold loved fishing, driving, and flying. He was also a connoisseur of fine wines and was a member of an elite wine club where wines from worldwide were featured and sampled.

Following an extended and debilitating illness, on Saturday, May 23, 2026, Dr. Willie Lee Arnold went Home to be with the Lord. His love and legacy will be preserved forever by his loving wife: Michelle Arnold of Eustis, FL; daughter: Arnesia (Wendell) Powell of Palm Coast, FL; son: Aric (Cheryl) Arnold of Haymarket, VA; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; brother: Joseph (Betty) Neely of Jacksonville, FL; sisters: Anna Grace Virgil and Thelma Brooks, both of Monticello, FL; and Reverend Carrie Mitchell Long of Tallahassee, FL; sister-in-law: Janie Neely of Monticello, FL; and host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Dr. Arnold was preceded in death by his father, Adam Jones; and brother: Reverend Dr. Rudolph Neely.

It is our esteemed honor to have been entrusted with the care of Mr. Arnold and to serve the Arnold family.