LEE ROY ARNOLD

Lee Roy Arnold February 22, 1934 - July 6, 2025 went to be with his Lord and Savior on
July 6,2025 at the age of 91 years. Born on February 22, 1934 in Long Beach,
California, to Grady Lee Arnold and Gladys Viola Arnold. He lived and went to school in
Bellflower, California. In 1944 Lee met his lifelong best friend, Melvin (Jr.) Folkerts while
riding horses on a trail. They would load up horses and ride in rodeos and parades. Lee
became the President of the Western Rangers. One of his jobs was performing on his
favorite Palomino, Tarzana at Knott’s Berry Farm where he would ride roman style
standing on the back of his horse in the arena. He won many ribbons and trophies in
competitions.
On August 20th, 1951 Lee joined the air force. He received his recruit training at
Lackland Air Force base in San Antonio, Texas. He then went to Sheppard Air Force
base in Wichita Falls, Texas, to Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul, Illinois, then landed
at Mountain Home Air Force base in Idaho, serving in the 581st Air Resupply and
Communications Wing. In 1952 he served in the Philippines at Clark Air Force base
and worked on B-29's during the Korean War. In 1953 Lee returned to Roswell Airforce
Base in New Mexico, serving as SGT in the 6th Bomb Wing at Walker Air Force base as
a Fabric and Leather Specialist. On August 1955 Lee Arnold was honorably discharged
but served an additional 4 years in the Air Force Reserve.
In 1955 Lee joined the Atlantic Richfield Oil Company holding various positions. He
became foreman of the refinery in 1970 and in 1973 became a Turn Around Manager
until he retired from Atlantic Richfield in 1976. Sought after, following his retirement,
Lee became a consultant and went to work for Wolder Engineering Company. He
continued working in the oil industry until 1997.
During his time at Atlantic Richfield, Lee moved to Bellflower, California where he met
and married Barbara Arnold on September 5, 1959. Together they raised two children
and built a life centered on faith and family. In 1963, Lee and Barbara moved to
Anaheim, California. In 1973 they moved to the City of Orange where they bought their
first new home. In 1997 Lee and Barbara moved to Sun City, California. Having a love
for camping and boating, they spent many weeks vacationing in their Park Home in
Bullhead City, Arizona. Lee and Barbara travelled all over the Pacific Northwest visiting
the Grand Tetons, Yellowstone, Great Falls Montana and Cutback, Montana. They fell
in love with Hayden, Idaho where they moved in 2002. Living in his dream home in the
forest was one of his greatest accomplishments. He loved the wildlife seeing moose,
deer and bald eagles. With the harsh winters Lee and Barbara looked for warmer
climate and in 2013 moved to Leander, Texas, to be close to their children.
Lee loved ongoing education especially world history and theology. He loved reading
his bible and his discussions with his son regarding his favorite books of the bible. Lee
also enjoyed discussions with his children regarding their careers, world events and
movies. Lee’s favorite movies were westerns often quoting lines from Tombstone. Lee
was very devoted to ensuring his family was provided for and is extremely proud of his
family and his genealogy. He will be deeply missed but his legacy will live forever
through the memories of those left behind.

Lee is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara of nearly 65 years, his daughter Candace
Scarcliff and her husband Ryan, his son, Randy Arnold; grandchildren, Jaclyn Stuart
and her husband Eric, Nicholas Lewis and his wife Katherine and their sons, Gavin
Lewis and Matias Lewis and Jessica Scarcliff.
He was preceded in death by his brother, William (Billy) Ray Arnold. Also preceded in
death by several cherished pets including his Scotty dog, Lexi.
Lee’s family thanks Magnolia Hospice for the excellent and compassionate care
provided during his illness.

Lee will be interred with full military honors to be held at
Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California on July 24, 2025 at 12:45pm.
Texas arrangements entrusted to the care of Beck Funeral Home, Cedar Park, Texas.
California arrangements entrusted to the care of Akes Family Funeral Home, Riverside,
California.

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