William Carroll “Bill” Arnold of Gold Canyon passed away on July 17, 2022, at home surrounded by family after a short battle with cancer. Bill was born on August 29, 1935, in Duck, Clay County, West Virginia. He is preceded in death by his parents Doyle and Brunna Arnold (Penman), his sister Berniece and brothers-in-law Sterling Tucker and Donald Scharff, eldest son Eric, and niece Stephanie. He is survived by his wife of 56 years Kay, his children Tracey Tucker (Sterling), Craig Arnold, brothers Calo Arnold (Kathryn), Lowell Arnold (Marilynn Pustelak), brother-in-law Gary Cochran (Delores), four grandchildren Samantha, Erica, Ethan, and Carolyn, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Bill graduated from Superior High School in Superior, Arizona in 1953. Bill briefly attended Arizona State University before withdrawing and entering the Navy in 1955. Bill’s four years of service in the Navy would instill him a level of discipline he that he proudly practiced every day of his life. Bill would speak often and fondly of the men and memories he carried from those years of service.
Bill’s automotive career spanned 72 years. In 1959 he began working fulltime alongside his father Doy and older brother Calo at Arnold Motor Sales in Superior. Arnold Motor Sales would eventually have locations in both Superior and Apache Junction. In 1969 Bill and his brother Calo would take over the business with Calo handling operations in Superior and Bill overseeing the Apache Junction location. In 1973 Bill would partner with his younger brother Lowell and the Apache Junction location would become Arnold Auto Center. In the 1990’s Bill’s sons Eric and Craig would join the business with Eric lending his skills to the body shop and Craig to the sales department. The business would go onto to win numerous awards.
Bill was grateful for the success of maintaining a family business for 72 years but was quick to point out that was not something he had accomplished on his own. He acknowledged it was a higher power that had granted him health and wisdom, who surrounded him with family, loyal and dedicated employees, and customers. His responsibility was to make the most of this journey and to be mindful to be grateful.
Bill was a voracious reader and had an incredible knowledge of history which he loved sharing. Bill could maintain a conversation with anyone on just about any topic. Bill’s desire for learning and exploring clearly did not diminish with age but remained a vital part of his character.
Bill was once asked what happiness and success looked like for him and what moments were his proudest and what had been the best part of life so far. He response to these were the moment he met and married his wife Kay, and they began their family. He was very proud of his children and the integrity with which they lived their lives and were raising their children. “Family is the strongest unit there is.”
Bill never wavered from duty to his family, to his employees, and to his customers. His philosophy for living a full life was to live a truthful life with yourself and with your fellow man. Bill will be greatly missed by all who knew him and loved him. Family wishes to express their gratitude to Hospice of the Valley staff and to the medical staff of 7C at the Mayo Clinic Hospital. The family requests donations be made in Bill’s memory to Hospice of the Valley at hov.org or your favorite charity.