Hinesville – Gary Allen Arnold, 64, passed away on Friday, May 8, 2026, at his home under the care of his family and Georgia Hospice Care. A native and lifelong resident of Liberty County, Gary’s life began with a deep love for his country as he joined the Georgia Army National Guard immediately after graduating high school. He began his career at the National Guard Training Center at Ft Stewart and eventually retired with the rank of CW4 from the Georgia Army National Guard and civil service MATES at Ft Stewart. A proud veteran, Gary served honorably in Bosnia during the Bosnian War as well as in Afghanistan during the War on Terror. Throughout his distinguished military career, he received numerous honors, including the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal (2nd Award), Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal (6th Award), National Defense Service Medal (2nd Award), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.  Following retirement, Gary worked as a heavy equipment operator and enjoyed woodworking, fishing, and hunting, especially duck hunting. After becoming ill, with the assistance and love of his daughters and wife, he proudly completed the 41 Ultimate Waterfowl Challenge in February 2026. Gary also had a strong passion for rodeos with multiple All-Around Cowboy titles. He also enjoyed motorcycles and proudly served as the past president of the Iron Knights. He was a devoted member and Past Master of Altamaha Masonic Lodge #227 F & AM and was of the Church of God faith. He was preceded in death by his father, Jack William Arnold Jr.
Survivors include his wife of 42 years, Amanda D. Arnold; daughters, Ashley Wells (Clent) and Courtney Goode (Hagen); mother, Miriam Arnold, all of Hinesville; sisters, Debby Davis (Kenneth) of Ludowici and Johni-Lynn Lamoreaux (David) of Asheville, NC; brother, Michael Arnold (Janell) of Hinesville; grandsons, Jack Goode, Clyde Goode, and Tripp Wells; along with several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 13, at 1 PM from Compass Worship Center with Pastor Byron Powers officiating. Visitation will be from 11:30 AM – 1 PM prior to the service.
Burial will follow at 3 PM at the Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Glennville.
Active pallbearers will be Lamar Dowd, Don Walker, Arnold Walker, Doug Hamsher, Ben Slaughter, and Duane Bartel.
Honorary pallbearers will be all Masons in attendance.

Remembrances are suggested to Shriners Children's Hospitals at shrinerschildren.org

Family and friends may sign the online register at www.howardfuneralga.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of Howard Funeral Home of Ludowici.

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