Obituary for Billy Jo Arnold
Billy Jo Arnold completed his life’s journey on January 11, 2023. He was born March 5, 1955 to Katherine and Willie Arnold in Corsicana, Texas. Billy lived much of his life observing America through the windshield of his Semi Truck. He often said he went to church through his windshield, explaining that was better than going to a building – that’s as close as he could get without actually being in heaven. Truck driving was Billy’s life long career; he drove from age 17 until retirement at the age of 64, in 2020.
As a child, he loved going fishing with his Dad and brothers and playing with his siblings and cousins. Billy’s love of family began early. Through high school he played football and baseball – in his words “all sports” – for the Mighty Mildred Eagles. This love of sports paved the way for Billy to become an avid Dallas Cowboys Fan. Billy had many hobbies, though fast cars and hot rods were his most beloved. In his younger years he was known as “Stick” and “Hot Rod”. He collected them all, big or small. He loved trading things with Austin Williams – hot wheels or trading cards – they would do this hours upon hours, just going back and forth. He enjoyed eating out as much as being at home. He liked to sit and watch it rain. Billy never passed up a chance to talk. He loved conversation and could often be found on the phone with a friend telling old stories about life. He was also outgoing and never shied away from meeting new people and seeing new places. He especially enjoyed his trip with his brother-in-law, James Owens, and friends to Area 51 – exploring the desert.
Most importantly, Billy loved his family. He was devoted to the love of his life, wife Diolonda (Dee) until her passing in 2019. Affectionately called “ Uncle Billy”, he always looked forward to a family gathering. In most recent years, he’d spend his days playing, singing, and talking with Alaina. He loved baby Olivia and spending time with the girls gave him such happiness.
Billy loved life! He loved, and was loved.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Katherine and Willie Arnold, brother Jack Arnold, sister Jerry Jean Arnold, and his beloved wife Diolanda Arnold.
Billy is survived by his five children, Billy Arnold, Chris Arnold, Ricky Arnold, Amber Arnold, Kyra Arnold; sisters Donna Arnold and husband Anthony, Debra Owens and husband James, nieces and nephews Kimberly Blanton, Becky Owens, Angela Williams, Justin Owens, Ashley Duke, Amy Chamberlin, Richard Foster, Mathew Wioch, Jason Cowart, Allan Cowart, Marty Cowart, Dana Behm; brother John Carl Arnold; grandchildren Emilee Burleson, Jason Burleson, Layton Bunch, Baylee Bunch, Jordon Arnold, Austin Arnold, Jordan Arnold, Wyatt Arnold, Aurora Arnold, Ricky Don Arnold Jr and many great grandchildren on his wife’s side.
Visitation will be held Friday, January 20, 2023 from 6:00pm until 8:00pm at the Boze Mitchell McKibbin Funeral Home Chapel in Waxahachie, Texas.
Services will be held Saturday, January 21, 2023 at 2:00pm also at the Boze Mitchell McKibbin Funeral Home Chapel.
As a child, he loved going fishing with his Dad and brothers and playing with his siblings and cousins. Billy’s love of family began early. Through high school he played football and baseball – in his words “all sports” – for the Mighty Mildred Eagles. This love of sports paved the way for Billy to become an avid Dallas Cowboys Fan. Billy had many hobbies, though fast cars and hot rods were his most beloved. In his younger years he was known as “Stick” and “Hot Rod”. He collected them all, big or small. He loved trading things with Austin Williams – hot wheels or trading cards – they would do this hours upon hours, just going back and forth. He enjoyed eating out as much as being at home. He liked to sit and watch it rain. Billy never passed up a chance to talk. He loved conversation and could often be found on the phone with a friend telling old stories about life. He was also outgoing and never shied away from meeting new people and seeing new places. He especially enjoyed his trip with his brother-in-law, James Owens, and friends to Area 51 – exploring the desert.
Most importantly, Billy loved his family. He was devoted to the love of his life, wife Diolonda (Dee) until her passing in 2019. Affectionately called “ Uncle Billy”, he always looked forward to a family gathering. In most recent years, he’d spend his days playing, singing, and talking with Alaina. He loved baby Olivia and spending time with the girls gave him such happiness.
Billy loved life! He loved, and was loved.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Katherine and Willie Arnold, brother Jack Arnold, sister Jerry Jean Arnold, and his beloved wife Diolanda Arnold.
Billy is survived by his five children, Billy Arnold, Chris Arnold, Ricky Arnold, Amber Arnold, Kyra Arnold; sisters Donna Arnold and husband Anthony, Debra Owens and husband James, nieces and nephews Kimberly Blanton, Becky Owens, Angela Williams, Justin Owens, Ashley Duke, Amy Chamberlin, Richard Foster, Mathew Wioch, Jason Cowart, Allan Cowart, Marty Cowart, Dana Behm; brother John Carl Arnold; grandchildren Emilee Burleson, Jason Burleson, Layton Bunch, Baylee Bunch, Jordon Arnold, Austin Arnold, Jordan Arnold, Wyatt Arnold, Aurora Arnold, Ricky Don Arnold Jr and many great grandchildren on his wife’s side.
Visitation will be held Friday, January 20, 2023 from 6:00pm until 8:00pm at the Boze Mitchell McKibbin Funeral Home Chapel in Waxahachie, Texas.
Services will be held Saturday, January 21, 2023 at 2:00pm also at the Boze Mitchell McKibbin Funeral Home Chapel.