Willard Jessie Arnold of Wendell, NC has gone home, leaving behind a circle of those who loved him.
These are some of the moments and memories that shaped his story.
Some bonds are not loosened by absence.
Willard Jessie Arnold April 2, 1943 – April 24, 2026
WENDELL – Willard Jessie Arnold passed away on Friday, April 24, 2026, at the age of 83. He was born and raised in Franklin County to the late Jessie Willard Arnold and Ruby Mullen Arnold.
Willard had a knack for problem solving and was well known as a Mr. Fix-it. Early on in his career, Willard was a mechanic at Universal Chevrolet. He eventually went on to spend 30 years at Square D Company before semi retiring. Willard returned to Universal Chevrolet as a driver and errand runner for approximately 4 years. Willard leaves behind a legacy of hard work, clever fixes, meaningful conversations, and countless things that still run better because he once laid hands on them. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Elizabeth Mullen Woolard and Angelia Louise Arnold, and brother, Henry J. Mullen.
Willard is survived by his wife, Barbara Hinnant Arnold, daughters, Aurora Poole (Bobby) and Michele Crane (Cole), all of Wendell, NC ; a granddaughter, Bobbie Day (Jason) of Pittsboro and a great grandson, Roman Day, sister, Shirley Harris ( Terry) of Justice, and a brother, Walter Arnold (Kathy) of Canyon Lake, Texas and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral service will begin at 2:00 PM Monday April 27th at Strickland Funeral Home & Crematory Chapel with visitation prior to the service at 1:00PM to 2:00PM. At other times, the family will receive friends at the home of his daughter, Michele Crane, 105 Osceola Court, Wendell, NC, 27591.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to be made to SECU Hospice House in his name. 426 Hospital Rd, Smithfield, NC 27577
Arrangements are entrusted to Strickland Funeral Home & Crematory, 211 W. Third St., Wendell, NC 27591. www.stricklandfuneral.com
