Mr. Wesley Wilds Arnold, 90, of Fernandina Beach, Florida, passed away on June 1, 2021 at his home lovingly surrounded by his family.

Wes, as he was known to his friends and family, was 56 days shy of his 91st birthday. He was born July 24, 1930 in St. Mary’s, Georgia to the late Dena Briggs Arnold and Harry Arnold and was raised in Fernandina with his sisters Maria and Harriett. After graduating from Fernandina Beach High School, he immediately enlisted in the Air Force under the Armed Forces Educational program and served in the Panama Canal Zone.

Upon his military discharge, he attended and graduated from the University of Florida with a B.S. in Business Administration. After graduation he entered the firm of Haskins and Sells Certified Public Accountants and in 1958 joined Container Corporation of America (now Westrock) where he built a 30 year career from plant controller to Vice President of the box division.

He married the love of his life Sarah Marie Freeman in 1960, and they spent 61 wonderful years together. They made numerous moves for Wesley’s job with Container, including spending 10 years in Atlanta where he was an active member of the community and Dunwoody Baptist Church. In 1984, he and Sarah returned to their roots in Fernandina where he retired a few years later.

Wesley travelled for much of his career and in retirement enjoyed many amazing trips with friends and family and eventually had the opportunity to return to the Panama Canal. He was a devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather and treasured time spent with his family, especially his 5 grandchildren. He loved his Florida Gators, especially on Saturdays in the fall, was an avid golfer and enjoyed watching golf with Sarah when he was no longer able to play.

Wesley leaves behind his wife of 61 years Sarah Freeman Arnold, his daughter Allyson Arnold Wagner of Atlanta and son Wesley Wilds Arnold Jr. of Orlando, grandchildren Olivia Grace Wagner, Marshall Cody Wagner, Sarah Jule Wagner, Wesley Wilds Arnold III and Maxwell David Arnold, a sister Maria Arnold Sellers (Larry) of Fernandina, and many nieces and nephews. He was honored to have 5 namesakes - nephew Charles Wesley Sellers, son Wesley Wilds Arnold Jr., grandson Wesley Wilds Arnold III, great-great nephews Walker Wesley Melton and Wesley Douglas Allen.

He is predeceased by his parents, sister Harriett Arnold Lewis, brother-in-law Larry Sellers, and son-in-law Jere Wagner.

He was a member of Amelia Baptist Church in Fernandina where his memorial service will be held at 11am on Friday, June 4, 2021, officiated by Pastor Neil Helton. His family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 pm Thursday evening at Oxley-Heard Funeral Home.
Interment will take place at a later date.