MerrillKnighton Arnold, 85, of Acworth, GA, passed away at Kennestone Hospital onSaturday evening, October 21, 2017. He was born in Cuthbert, GA on September11, 1932, the eldest son of Isaac and Mary Knighton Arnold. He was raised inBenevolence, GA on what is affectionately known by his family as “The Farm.” Hegraduated from Shellman High School in 1949, and from the University of Georgiain 1953. Following his graduation, he entered the US Army as a First Lieutenantat Fort Jackson in Columbia, SC.
Hemarried Agnes Jane Garrett on Christmas Eve in 1953, and they moved to Atlanta,where Merrill attended graduate school at Georgia State University. He went onto establish a successful career in sales for a number of national organizations,including Robinson Humphrey, Litton Industries, and Dale Carnegie andAssociates. While with the Dale Carnegie organizations, he trained thousands ofadults in skills including sales techniques, personal improvement, andstrategic planning for hospitals, banks, and manufacturing enterprises. Merrillwas the author of two self-published books, a career guide entitled ShapeYour Career, and a mystery novel, Deep Secrets in Tall Pines, whichwas completed shortly after his 80th birthday, and was set in asmall South Georgia town, much like the one where he grew up.
Afteryears of living and working in the Southwest Georgia town of Albany, where heresided with his wife and five sons, they moved to Acworth, GA in 1977. Merrillwas well-known in the community for his engaging personality and keenintellect, as well as his devotion to his family and friends. He was also knownfor his many home improvement projects that usually involved extensivedemolition, resulting in innovative new architecture. A dedicated family man,Merrill will be remembered for his remarkable, enthusiastic love for hischildren, and especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In additionto his roles as husband, father, and grandfather, Merrill was a teacher,mentor, encourager, and friend to his family and community.
Merrillwas preceded in death by his parents and his grandson, Elliott Arnold. He issurvived by his wife and their five sons and daughters-in-law, David andAnnette, Drew and Susan, Jay and Cindy, Rusty and Jodi, and Robert and Melissa,thirteen grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, his brother Bob, andnumerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Visitationwill be held Tuesday October 24th from 2 pm until 8 pm at the homeof Merrill and Jane Arnold. A celebration of life will be held on Friday,November 24th. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made tothe Mowat-Wilson Syndrome Foundation via
mowat-wilson.org
. Condolences can be left for the family at
www.GeorgiaFuneralCare.com
.
