Thomas Heaton Arnold, 90, of Hayes, passed away peacefully at home with family on Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2021.  He was born Dec. 15, 1930 in Reading, Pennsylvania, to Lawrence and Harriet Edgarton Arnold. Tom attended John Marshall High School in Richmond, Virginia, graduated from Cornell University in Ithaca, New York (Electrical Engineering) in 1953, and received his Master’s Degree from the University of Arizona in 1961. On August 1,
1953, he married his wife of 68 years, Florace Lockwood Arnold. Following graduation, Tom served in the military (Signal Corps, U.S. Army) until his retirement as a Lieutenant Colonel in June 1974. He was committed to his career, serving two tours in Vietnam and serving at NATO from 1967-1970 in Paris and subsequently in Brussels. Following retirement, Tom opened Gloucester Electronics in Gloucester Point, Va. He spent nearly 30 years on the Gloucester County Planning Commission, and took part in the organization and training of the Gloucester County Coast Guard Auxiliary No. 64. He was an active member of Abingdon Episcopal Church for over 48 years. Tom’s lifelong passion was sailing, and he was at his happiest out on the York River on his Lapworth 24 sloop, the So Long. He will always be remembered for his wicked sense of humor, his devotion to his family, and his dedication to his church and community.

Tom is survived by his loving wife, Florace Lockwood Arnold; his daughters and their spouses, Susan Arnold Alvarado (Mario), Vivian Arnold Hernandez (Michael); his sons, Lawrence Heaton Arnold II and Thomas Lockwood Arnold; five grandsons; one granddaughter; one great-grandson and one great-granddaughter. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021, at Abingdon Episcopal Church, followed by a reception in the Parish Hall. In memory of Thomas, contributions may be made to Abingdon Episcopal Church at P.O. Box 82, White Marsh, Va. 23183.

Services under the direction of Hogg Funeral Home & Crematory.