Richard Wayne Arnold passed away peacefully on April 21, 2014. Rick was born in Tampa on August 8, 1941 to Gertrude and Abner Arnold. He grew up in the Tampa area, graduating from Hillsborough High School in 1959 and the University of Tampa in 1964.
After graduation Rick began his career in the insurance and surety bond industries, branching off in the mid-seventies to real estate. In 1979 Rick, together with his wife Gale, opened his own company, Arnold and Associates Realty Corporation. During the twenty years of their active involvement, the scope of their business was quite broad with offerings in residential, commercial and investment real estate in Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties. Under Rick?s guidance the business was conducted on the basis of hard work and the notion that his handshake was his bond. Both of his children patterned their lives after his and went on to start successful business ventures of their own.
In 1999 Rick and Gale sold their business and retired to the house of their dreams on the Gulf in New Port Richey. They enjoyed living on the water and actively pursued boating, fishing and diving. They were frequently spotted plying Gulf waters or tooling around town in their red sports car. In his off -hours Rick was a quintessential tinkerer and frequently had a hands-on project in the works as well as taking meticulous care of his homes and cars and boats.
Rick lived his values and devoted himself to the love of his life, Gale, and his two children, Rick Junior and Libbi. He enjoyed a close relationship with his brother Larry and Larry?s wife Pennie. He also gave freely of his time and effort to his parents, and to Gale?s mother, all of whom lived close to Rick and Gale for many years. His children, grandchildren and many nieces and nephews were frequently in and out of his household. All of the kids, young and old, who knew Rick enjoyed his company. To all of them Rick dispensed equal parts of hospitality, practical advice, and opinions on world affairs.
Rick?s great joy was the companionship he shared with his wife Gale over the course of a happy and enduring marriage. They worked and played together, indulging each other in their mutual love of animals; especially their small dogs Ruffles and Angel Baby.
His wife, Gale Davis Arnold; his son Richard W. Arnold, Junior, and his wife Cosette, and their three boys, Embry, AJ, and Landon; his daughter Elizabeth Charlene McLellan, and her husband Scott, and their children, Shayn Patrick and Darci Elizabeth survive him. His brother, Abner Lawrence, and his wife Pennie Lee, and numerous nieces and nephews from the Arnold, Murray, James and Davis families also survive him.
The memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2014 at 1 pm at Michels & Lundquist funeral home, 5228 Trouble Creek Road, New Port Richey, Florida 34652. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to Alzheimer?s Association National Office
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