William Meredith Arnold, Jr.

Known for his love of science and learning and his crooked grin, William (Bill) Meredith Arnold, Jr. left this life for his home in heaven on Sunday, July 9, 2017, at Trezavant Terrace. He was born December 23, 1921, to William M. Arnold, Sr. and Josie Cheairs Arnold, both of whom preceded him in death, as did his only sibling Dora Arnold Ceiner and his beloved first wife of 35 years, Eunice Mai Leigh Arnold. He is survived by his loving wife, Polly Norris Arnold; his two children, William M. Arnold, III (Margaret) of Dallas, and Katherine Arnold Thompson (Raymond) of Memphis; four grandchildren - Jennifer Thompson Nevarez (Jesus), Chicago, Raymond Louis Thompson, Jr (Corrie), Memphis, Meredith Arnold Underwood (Todd) McKinney, TX, and Jonathan William Arnold (Beth), Dallas, TX; and eight great-grandchildren. By profession Bill was a microbiologist and Director of the Memphis City Laboratory for most of his career. He also loved and excelled at many other things in his 95 years. He was an avid fly fisherman, and his passion for woodworking left us all with beautifully turned bowls, inlaid boxes, and even dulcimers. He could often be found at the library, and when he wasn't working on a project, he was reading to learn how to accomplish something else.Traveling the entire country by car with Polly, his beloved wife of 37 years, was another way Bill pursued learning. Their destination was usually an Elderhostel, where they made many friends while they studied a wide range of subjects. They are charter members of Trinity Baptist Church in Cordova, where Bill served as Deacon, helping build the children's Christmas Village and even answering phones.The Memorial Service will be at Trezavant Manor Chapel, 177 N. Highland, Memphis, TN., (entrance off Waynoka) at 3:30 p.m., Friday afternoon, August 11, with visitation at 3 p.m. Graveside services will be Saturday, August 12 at Magnolia Cemetery in Batesville, MS. at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Texas Baptist Missions Foundation, 7557 Rambler Road, Suite 1200, Dallas, TX, 75231. Wells Funeral Home has charge of arrangements.