G. Wayne Arnold
KEYSER, WV - George Wayne Arnold, 83, of Keyser, passed away on Friday, February 5, 2021 at Ruby Memorial Hospital, Morgantown, WV after a short battle with cancer and pneumonia.
Born on November 22, 1937 in Keyser, he was a son of the late Justin E. and Georgia R. (Weese) Arnold. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his three brothers, Edgar, Ray and Frank Arnold and his four sisters, Ruth Bolyard, Geraldine Arnold, Martha Wiley and Mary Custer. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family.
Wayne graduated from Keyser High School in 1956, Potomac State College, and Shepherd College with a BA degree in Elementary Education. He was a retired Mineral County school teacher of 38 years, having primarily taught at New Creek Elementary School and Keyser Middle School. Wayne was a lifelong member of Grace United Methodist Church, where he taught Sunday School, most recently leading the Harry Reese Adult Sunday School class where he made many dear friends. He also sang in the Grace UMC Chancel Choir for many years. Wayne also was active with the Mineral County Retired Teachers Association holding a number of leadership positions. In addition, Wayne was very active in the Keyser community, working for years to support the Faith in Action Food Pantry and volunteering at Piney Valley (Stonerise) Nursing Center, where he visited with residents and played the piano for weekly sing-a-longs.
Wayne had a wonderful commitment to his family and community, a generous smile, and a love of all things West Virginia. He loved to spend time with his family and friends, often recounting childhood visits and memories with his aunts, uncles, and cousins. He enjoyed gardening and spending time outdoors. But Wayne’s greatest love was spending time with his family and treasuring moments with his wife, children and his eight grandchildren.
Surviving are his loving wife of 56 years, Judith “Judy” A. (Avey) Arnold; his children, Kelly Biggs and husband Jon of Sykesville, MD, Steven Arnold and wife Jennifer of Falling Waters, Nancy Sheets and husband Joe of Morgantown, and Scott Arnold and wife Beth of Inwood, and his eight grandchildren: Katelynn Biggs, Christopher and Julia Arnold, Megan and Andrew Sheets, Jackson, Miranda and Alexa Arnold. He is also survived by his sisters and brothers-in-law Sheila Arnold of Alexandria, VA, Roger Custer of Keyser and Mary Lou and Bill Bane of Keyser along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
The family will hold a private memorial service for immediate family only at Grace United Methodist Church with Rev. Lauren Godwin officiating.
In keeping with Wayne’s life-long devotion to teaching and learning, it was his desire to donate his body to the WVU Human Gift Registry for continued medical research and learning. Upon return of his remains to the family in the future, a graveside service will be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in honor of G. Wayne Arnold to: Faith In Action, P.O. Box 1073, Keyser, WV 26726 or Meals on Wheels at Aging and Family Services, 875 S. Mineral Street, Keyser, WV 26726.
Markwood Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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