Grady Thomas Arnold, Sr., 63, of Rector, died Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2003, at his home.

He was born Oct. 23, 1940, in Kennett to the late George Wesley Arnold and Victory Hazel (Self) Arnold.

He was a press operator for Emerson Electric, had lived most of his life in the community, and was of the Assembly of God faith. He was married to Barbara Weatherspoon on Feb. 19, 1962.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Larry Arnold and Doyle Arnold.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara, of the home; three sons, Grady Arnold Jr., Jeffrey Arnold and Darrell Arnold, all of Rector; two daughters, Angelia Akes and Kathy Lyles, both of Rector; one brother, George Wesley Arnold, Jr., of Holcomb, Mo.; five sisters, Verta Jarrett of Indiana, Mary Constant of St. Louis, Judy Tracy of Rector, Jo Ann Sankey of Virginia and Linda Ash of Monticello, 17 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at Irby Funeral Home Chapel in Rector with Bro. Bennie Isom officiating. Burial was in Woodland Heights Cemetery in Rector with Irby Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Pallbearers were DeWayne Ash, Darren Ash, Tom Tracy, Charles Nicely, Jeff Sankey and Bradley Arnold. Honorary pallbearers were Randy Morrisett, Carl Dury and Joe Wood.