William Arnold

William “Billy” Gordon Arnold was born on June 27, 1929 in Atlanta, Georgia to the late Henry and Molly Arnold. He was the second of six children; five boys and one girl. He peacefully departed this life on Saturday, November 14, 2020 at age 91. The angels of the Lord met him at the Veterans Hospital to ascend him into Heaven.

Around the age of sixteen, William moved from Atlanta, Ga. to Cincinnati, Ohio. William began his Christian journey very early in life as he confessed hope in Christ. Shortly after his arrival to Cincinnati he was involved at a storefront church on Mound Street under Rev. Steve Jefferies. Around twenty, he dedicated himself to his first organized church experience, St. Luke Baptist Church under the direction of Rev. Charles Robinson Flint. There William was known and respected as a bible scholar, truly capable and always willing to share the Word of the Lord. In 1958, when William’s uncle, the late Rev. Clarence Adkins, became pastor of the Golden Leaf Baptist Church, he made the decision to unite with this church, a storefront on Freeman Avenue. He fully committed on September 17, 1961. Down through the years he remained devoted and involved in Golden Leaf.  In 1974, he became an Associate Minister where he continued sharing his biblical knowledge as a bible teacher and as Chairman of the Good Friday Services. He assisted with the National Brotherhood for the National Baptist Convention.

William was always determined to excel in his spiritual growth through his involvement in many theological classes and consistent daily study of the Bible. In the early nineties, William completed his education by graduating from Temple Bible College. He definitely believed in living by 2 Timothy 2:15, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

Family and friends has always been near and dear to William’s heart. His best friend from Atlanta, introduced him to the love of his life, Mary Mathis. The two was united in holy matrimony and the loving couple shared a bountiful life for over fifty years. They became the proud parents of two boys; Darryl Gordon and William “Bae-Bae” Arnold.

William was also known as a dutiful and loyal worker. He was the first African American man to announce the train arrivals and departures at Union Terminal. He was a veteran and served four years in the Armed Forces, and was stationed in Korea. For over thirty years he was an Engineer for Penn Central Railroad, and of those years a property owner and landlord. After retiring from Penn Central, he started his own lawn care service which he successfully did for over twenty years. As an honorable man, he paid it forward by training another young African American man in the business and blessed him with his clients, in addition, he trained another young Black man in property management.

William was preceded in death and will be reunited with his son William “Bae-Bae” and his three brothers Wendell, Johnnie “J.C.”(Bernice), and Esper “David” (Mary).  He leaves to cherish his loving memories his devoted wife Mary, his caring son, Darryl, a daughter Vacessa (Rick), two grandchildren (Lopez and Megan), a brother Warren “Doug”, a sister Henrietta and three foster children; George, Tommy and David McKinney, his nephews; Kendell Arnold and John “J.D.” Tucker, his nieces; Kathleen Tanner and Jeana Johnson, a host of cousins and friends will also cherish his memory. His presence will be especially missed by his family and his church family. 

Visitation is from 10:00 am until 11:00 am, on  Saturday, November 28, 2020, at the Golden Leaf Baptist, 5910 Argus Road, Cincinnati  (45224).   The funeral service will immediately follow the visitation beginning at 11:00 am. Everyone attending must wear a mask and practice social distancing.

Interment will follow at Spring Grove Cemetery, 4521 Spring Grove Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45232.

In keeping with the Covid-19 Pandemic restrictions masks are required in order to enter  the service and social distancing must be practiced.  Please be prepared to comply for the safety of all.

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Walker Funeral Home is honored to serve the  Arnold family.  Please call (513) 251-6200 or visit www.WalkerFuneralHome.com for additional information.

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