In Memoriam
Boyd Arnold
1928 - 2017
Eli Boyd Arnold, 88, of Dayton, Texas passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 21, 2017 in Houston, Texas. Services were held 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, January 25, 2017 at the First United Methodist Church, Dayton with interment at Magnolia Park Cemetery. Arrangements were under the direction of Pace-Stancil Funeral Home, Dayton.
Boyd was born November 16, 1928 in Springdale, Texas (just outside of Atlanta) to parents, Thomas "Todd" Hamilton Arnold and Elizabeth Skinner Arnold. He moved to Dayton in 1943 making Dayton his lifelong home. Boyd was a proud graduate of the Dayton High School class of 1946, where he was a member of the football team, class favorite and president of his senior class. In his early years Boyd worked for General Crude. In 1954 he and Turner Kirksey started a painting and drywall business, he later became part owner and partners with Joe and Bobby Harris at Pelco Construction. In 1981 Boyd and Patsie Arnold formed Arnold Construction and remained active in their business until their retirement in 2016. He and Patsie were so proud when people said "My home was Boyd Arnold built".
Boyd was very devoted to his church, the First United Methodist Church of Dayton. He served in all capacities throughout the years, chairman of the administrative board, board of trustees, chairman of the building committee, Sunday school teacher and superintendent of the youth department. He was always there when his church needed him to help in any way.
When his sons were young Boyd coached and supported them in Pee-Wee and Little League, he later became Baseball Commissioner. His love and encouragement for children was a driving force in the Dayton community as Boyd worked to make the Dayton City Park and the Parker Park a reality. He served as President on the Dayton School Board.
The Jones Library was one of Boyd's special projects. He worked tirelessly to raise funds and support this very important addition for Dayton. Boyd was extremely proud of the Dayton Community Center and the Senior Center where he served as President for several years.
He was a member of the Masonic Lodge #825 and a life member of the
Elks Lodge.
Boyd and Gene Touchstone were the founding forces behind the formation of the Dayton Chamber of Commerce. They were just honored this past week for their dedication and hard work for the Chamber. Boyd was one of the first members and president of the Dayton Community Development Corporation. In 1989 Boyd was awarded Citizen of the Year from the Liberty-Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce.
