William H Arnold, Jr.

William H Arnold, Jr. passed away July 19, 2025 at Hospice of Miami County surrounded by his loving family.  William is survived by his wife Karen of 33 years.  Also, two sons, Scott A Arnold (Michael Kessler), Columbus, Ohio,  Brett W Arnold ( Sharon) Troy, Ohio; stepson William T Eickmeyer (Aimee), Norfolk Va and stepdaughter Julie Dewey (Matt), Troy Ohio; Grandchildren Hannah Lee (Andrew) Germany, Lydia Benjamin (Michael) Lexington Park, Maryland, Caleb Arnold Troy, Ohio, Alex Eickmeyer, Norfolk VA, Harper and Piper Dewey, Troy Ohio; four great granddaughters Nora, Lorelei Lee, Genesis and Galilee Benjamin.  He is also survived by his twin brother Forrest Arnold (Patricia), Springboro, Ohio.

William’s love for his family was amazing. He always said, “Why have I been so lucky to have the family and friends I have?”.  William was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather and is already greatly missed. Anyone who knew William knows he was a force to be reckoned with which is why the house is noticeably quiet now.  But the family is resting easy knowing he is no longer in pain and is at peace. 

William’s love for aviation was immense and he prided himself in being a single/twin engine pilot for many years. He also loved teaching and had many students of aviation over the years at the Wright-Patterson AFB Aero Club.  His big love for helicopters led him to the Ohio Army National Guard many years ago and he was very proud of his military service prior to receiving his retirement. In his civilian career he was a Power Lineman for Dayton Power & Light (now AES) for 32 years. After retirement, William became an author and published two books about his life as a Lineman, his time as an aviator, and about his family.   There wasn’t much he couldn’t do and the things he accomplished in his 86 years were noteworthy even though William used to say he didn’t think he did that much.

In accordance with William and Karen’s wishes, there will be no funeral or memorial services. William’s body was donated to the Ohio University Medical School. A private celebration of William’s life will be held at a later date with family.