HR 372

HR372 192981-1 By Representative Knight RFD: First Read: 08-MAR-18 192981-1:n:03/08/2018:AR/ar LSA2018-1300 MOURNING THE DEATH OF PRESIDING ELDER JAMES EARL ARNELL. WHEREAS, it is with profound sorrow that we note the death of Presiding Elder James Earl Arnell of Montgomery, Alabama, at the age of 67 years; and WHEREAS, his passing leaves a void in the lives of his loving family, many friends, and the entire community, where he was highly regarded; and WHEREAS, Presiding Elder Arnell was born on November, 3, 1950, in Lewisburg, Tennessee, to Eva Jean Arnell and James Zapp; and WHEREAS, a graduate of Pearl High School, Nashville, Tennessee, Presiding Elder Arnell earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Sociology from Tennessee State University, and his Master's of Divinity Degree from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky; a licensed Mortician, he was a graduate of the John A. Gupton School of Mortuary Science; and WHEREAS, his previous pastoral appointments include Saint Paul A.M.E. Church, Asland City, Tennessee, Shorter Chapel A.M.E. Church, Franklin, Tennessee, Young's Chapel A.M.E. Church, Louisville, Kentucky, and Saint John's A.M.E. Church, Montgomery, Alabama, where he served for 27 years until his appointment as Presiding Elder by Bishop Harry L. Seawright; and WHEREAS, Elder Arnell served on the Episcopal Committee of the A.M.E. Church, served as past Director of the Christian Education Department for the 13th Episcopal District (Kentucky and Tennessee), a delegate to several General Conferences; he also served as Basileus of Gamma Phi Chapter, Omega Psi Fraternity, Nashville; and was member of the 32nd degree Mason organization; and WHEREAS, he was preceded in death by grandparents, Virgil and Carrie Mae London; and father, James Zapp; and WHEREAS, survivors include his beloved wife of 41 years, Mrs. Arnetta J. Arnell; daughter, Anethia Theress Norris (Marcellus); mother, Eva Jean Arnell; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Joseph and Clara Lee; sister, Jennifer Zapp-Chaviest; brothers, James Zapp, Jr., Richmond Zapp (Constance), Robert S. Arnell, and Vincent Arnell; grandsons, London Nicholas Arnell and Marcellus Alexander Norris,II; brothers-in-law, Michael Earl Lee (Yvonne), Howard Dexter Lee (Sharlene), and Stephen A. Lee (Tracy); eight nieces and nephews; and special and devoted friends, Kenneth and Paula Jones, Joe and Tracy Kendrick, David and Allie Reddick, Bobby and Angie Cox, Nathaniel Copeland, Kaye Underwood, Tony and Sabrina Gibson, David and Sarah Ross, and Marilyn Bibbins; and WHEREAS, although his presence will be greatly missed, the memory of Presiding Elder James Earl Arnell will be cherished in the hearts of all who knew and loved him; now therefore, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA, That the death of Presiding Elder James Earl Arnell is recorded with deep sadness, and this resolution is offered in tribute to his life and with heartfelt sympathy to his family, whose grief is shared by many.