Robert J. Arnold

Bob was born on September 27th, 1938, to the late Jay and Ethel Arnold. He grew up in Cleveland, Ohio and graduated from St. Ignatius High School. Later he attended Xavier University and University of Detroit, graduating with a master’s degree.

From an early age, Bob loved engines and cars. He spent many years with the Antique Automobile Association, restoring a 1912 Model T Ford which won ribbons at many car shows. His other old cars include a 1935 Peerless and a 1915 Pierce Arrow.

Bob enjoyed a long career with IBM starting in Youngstown, Ohio, moving to Raleigh in 1982 and retiring after 23 years of service. He spent his entire career in sales, earning numerous awards and accolades.

Bob joined the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary in March of 1993. During more than 23 years of service, he held various positions at the Flotilla, Division, and District levels. He participated in Boating Operations and Public Education as a coxswain and Instructor and was one of the first to be enrolled as an instructor in TCT (Team Coordination Training). In addition to TCT, he was an Aid to Navigation Verifier, Vessel Examiner, Boating safety Instructor, (QE) Qualified Examiner, and Coxswain. Finally, he served as an Air Observer and instructed cadets on the Coast Guard training vessel “Eagle”.

Some of the many awards he received were: Auxiliary Achievement Award, Commendation Award, Operational Award, Presidential Unit Citation, Operations Service Award, Public Education Service Award, Commandants Letter of Appreciation, CG Meritorious Commendation, Membership Service Award, CG Unit Commendation, and multiple Sustained Service Awards. Bob was set to receive the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award for an excess of 21,000 service hours. Additionally, he won Auxiliarist of the Year Award for six consecutive years. More than any award or recognition, Bob enjoyed helping teach and instruct the men and women of the United States Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary.

In addition to his parents, Robert was preceded in death by his wife, Tina Bagwell Arnold.

Robert is survived by his first wife, Mary Ann Stickels, daughters, Wendy Garrison (daughters Tyler, Kelsey and Megan), Christina O’Flynn (husband Matt and daughter Taylor) and his step daughter, Sharon Albrecht (husband Tom and children Hayley and Wesley). He was also survived by siblings, Wayne Arnold and Sandra Oxford as well as many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, January 13th, 2017, at 11:00 am, at Macedonia United Methodist Church in Cary. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. A graveside service will follow at Montlawn Memorial Park in Raleigh.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to American Kidney Fund, St. Ignatius High School, Coast Guard Mutual Assistance Fund, or an organization of your choice.