Joseph L. Arnold

Chief Master Sergeant Joseph L. Arnold, U.S. Air Force Retired, age 93, of Athens, died Friday, July 17, 2026, at the Community Hospice House in Vidalia following an extended illness. He joined the Air Force in 1953, after graduating from Greensboro High School, Greensboro, Georgia and honorably served his country for twenty-three years. His career assignments carried him throughout Europe, England, Southeast Asia, and the United States. He was a Vietnam veteran where he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal. Other commendations included the Meritorious Service Medal and the Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster. At the time of his retirement, he was serving as Director of Communication Academy at Griffiss Air Force Base, Rome, New York. After his retirement, he served as Materials Manager of Overhead Door Corporation, Georgia Division, retiring after eighteen years, to pursue other interests. He was a member of Cedar Crossing Baptist Church. He leaves his family with a Christian heritage, a profound love and respect for God, family and country.

Mr. Arnold loved life and traveling, with a special interest in World War II history. He was an avid gardener and enjoyed growing many different varieties of vegetables, while specializing in tomatoes. Nothing delighted him more than sharing his bounty with family, friends, and neighbors.

Born in Madison County, Georgia, he was the son of the late Joe Mell Arnold and Onie Sellers Arnold. He was the widower of Marie D. Thompson Arnold, the mother of his three children and Catherine Watson Arnold. He was also preceded in death by a granddaughter, Kellie Merola Jennings; son-in-law, Sal Merola; six brothers and one sister.

He is survived by his wife, Elaine NeeSmith Mincey Arnold of Athens; one daughter, Roxie Arnold Merola of Clarksville, Georgia; three sons, Dale J. Arnold and wife Leslie of Harlem, Georgia, Paul G. Arnold and wife Angie of Jonesborough, Tennessee, and Reece Mincey and wife Patsy of Cedar Crossing, Georgia; eight special grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Saturday evening, July 18, 2026, at Cedar Crossing Baptist Church, 2926 Cedar Crossing Road, Uvalda, Georgia, from 6:00 until 8:00.

The funeral service will be held on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at 3:00 at Cedar Crossing Baptist Church with Pastor Reece Mincey, Dale Arnold, and Pastor Kayla Ginn officiating. Interment will follow at 11:00 on Monday, July 20, 2026, at Evergreen Memorial Park, 3655 Atlanta Hwy, Athens, GA. with full military honors. Pastor Ryan Ginn will officiate.

Flowers are welcome, or memorial donations are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital by visiting their website at stjude.org. He had been a monthly contributor since 1997.

Ronald V. Hall Funeral Home of Vidalia is in charge arrangements.