Jewel R. Arnold, 72, of Decatur, died Saturday, Jan. 24, 2009, at his residence.

A native of lifelong resident of McMinn County, he was a son of the late James Samuel Arnold Sr. and Daisy Lee Carpenter Arnold. He was a farmer and a lifelong member of Rogers Creek Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon for 36 years. He was preceded in death by three sisters, Ailene Monroe, Mildred Miller and Mary Sue Keaton.

Survivors include one brother, Junior Arnold of Decatur; two sisters and one brother-in-law, Faye McAllister of Riceville, and Berta and Clyde Davis of Decatur; and several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to say a special thank you to Avalon Hospice Care.

Funeral services will be 3 p.m. Tuesday at Rogers Creek Baptist Church with the Rev. Howard White and the Rev. Mark Cameron officiating. Burial will follow in Rogers Creek Cemetery. The body will lie in-state from 2 to 3 p.m. Tuesday at the church.

Pallbearers will be Jerry Davis, Scott McAllister, Keith Arnold, Dan Buckner, Cecil Watson and David Leonard.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at Laycock-Hobbs Funeral Home.

Those not able to attend may send condolences to mailto:condolences@laycock-hobbs.com