Chester W. Arnold, one of North Carolina's leading conservationists for more than a half century, died at age 91, Friday evening, July 21, 2000, at Moses Cone Hospital, following a short illness.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Forbis & Dick Funeral Services, N. Elm St. Chapel.

He was born in Mebane, W.Va. on Feb. 13, 1909, a son of the late Albert S. "Dad" Arnold and the late Clara Nease Arnold. He came to Greensboro at the age of 12. The Arnolds have lived for the past year and a half at Friends Homes in Guilford College. Prior to moving here, they had lived for almost 50 years at 812 Cypress St., Greensboro.

Arnold, a graduate of Davidson College, was employed by Cone Mills from 1932 until mandatory retirement in 1974. He was director of employee services and safety when he retired. He worked part-time at McKnight Hardware from 1974 until 1998, "retiring" again on his 88th birthday.

"I turned in my keys yesterday," he said at the time. "I'm just going to take it easy now."

While he did take it a bit easier, he continued working for conservation efforts through the N.C. Wildlife Federation. Arnold had been a member of the Wildlife Federation since it was organized in 1947, and was on the board of directors at his death. He was president in 1965, and in 1989 was inducted into the Federation's Hall of Fame.

Arnold was a founding member, life member and past president of Guilford Wildlife Club. He was organizer in the 1960s of the first Ducks Unlimited banquet and chapter in Greensboro and also in the mid 60s was one of nine anglers who formed the first chapter of Trout Unlimited in North Carolina. In 1972, he was recipient of the Field and Stream Conservation Award for his efforts in environmental action.

A highlight of his conservation career came in 1996 with the naming in his honor of the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission Project Wild Education Center at Lake Jeanette. The Chester W. Arnold Education Center is used to instruct North Carolina school teachers about the environment and conservation, and how better to pass along this information to students. At the same time, Arnold received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, awarded by Gov. Jim Hunt.

While he fished and hunted in several sections of the state, Arnold's favorite outdoor recreation spot was his cabin, at Edgemont. He continued to spend time there well into his 80s, but limited his trout fishing. Currituck Sound in northeastern North Carolina also had a special place in his heart and he often fished for largemouth bass there with Greensboro friends, Clarence Cone, Frank Starling, Mutt Culbreth, Dude Pickard and Ed Holt.

Arnold also was active in civic organizations, Boy Scouts of America, local government and West Market Street United Methodist Church. In scouting, he served six years on the executive board of the General Greene Council and for two years was chairman of the Guilford District. His highest scouting honor came in 1965 when he was presented the Siler Beaver Award, the most prestigious award presented a scout leader.

He also served as a member of the board of directors of the Greensboro chapter, American Red Cross and also chaired the annual blood recruitment drive. He was a board member of the Untied Way of Greater Greensboro for three years and for nine years was a member of the Greensboro Board of Adjustment, serving as chairman for three years. He was president of the American Business Club and also served as president of the Personnel Association of Greater Greensboro Area.

For many years Arnold taught Sunday school at West Market Street United Methodist Church and was on the board of stewards for four years.

Although his accomplishments were many, Arnold will be remembered as a man who touched people's hearts in a very unique way. His relationships with his family and friends were what was important to him.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Edna Slack Arnold and two children, Chester W. "Chet" Arnold Jr. of Greensboro and Martha S. Arnold of Carrboro; a sister, Mary Virginia Devins of Roanoke, Va.; and a brother, Sherwood Arnold of Zephyrhills, Fla.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Wayne Arnold of Burgaw.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the N.C. Wildlife Habitat Foundation, P.O. Box 29187, Greensboro, N.C. 27429; or a charity of one's choice.

Greensboro News & Record (NC) - Monday, July 24, 2000