Bill Arnold, age 82, of Knoxville, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 11, 2026.

Bill proudly served his country as an Army veteran during the Vietnam War. He was a man who enjoyed life and found joy in many simple pleasures. He loved line dancing, spending time outdoors, and living in the beautiful mountains. Bill was also relearning how to play the guitar and had a deep appreciation for music. He especially enjoyed watching American Idol and America’s Got Talent. He also enjoyed playing pickleball and looked forward to eating at Calhoun’s on the River.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Octavius and Antoinette Arnold.

Bill had a great sense of humor and a memorable way of looking at life. He especially loved a shirt his son Jason wore that read,

“As I walk through the valley of death, I will fear no evil, for I am the baddest in the Valley.”

Bill always wanted people to read it, and Jason later realized just how much his dad enjoyed seeing him wear it.

He is survived by his sons, Bill (Tracy) Arnold and Jason Arnold; granddaughters, Elizabeth, Emilie, Alyssa, Allison, Leah, and Janie; along with other family and friends who will cherish his memory.

Bill will be remembered for his love of music, the outdoors, the mountains, his wonderful sense of humor, and the many memories he made with those he loved.

“Absorb what is Useful, Discard what is not, and what is Uniquely your own.” Bruce Lee

“Unix is simple. It just takes a genius to understand its simplicity.” Dennis Ritchie, founder of Unix.

“Anyone can build a fast processor. The trick is to build a fast system.” Seymour Cray

1 Corinthians 16:13

“Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.”

The family will host a gathering of friends on Friday, August 14, 2026, from 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. at Sharp Funeral Home of Oliver Springs. A second gathering of friends will take place Wednesday, August 19, 2026, from 11:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. with interment to follow at 2:00 p.m. at East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery.

Sharp Funeral Home is honored to care for the Arnold Family during this time.