William Franklin Arnold, Jr., 62, of 1886 S. Main St., Blakely, Ga., died Thursday afternoon at his residence following a lengthy illness. His memorial service will be held Saturday morning, April 12, 2014 at 11 A. M. in the First United Methodist Church, Blakely, Ga. with Rev. Jay Reppert and Rev. Dwight Bishop officiating. The family will receive friends in the church social hall from 10 AM until 10:45 Am, right before the memorial service.

Franklin was born June 27, 1951 in Cuthbert, Ga. to the late William Franklin Arnold, Sr. and Margaret Boyett Arnold. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Blakely, was a graduate of Georgia Tech, having received a B. A. degree in Industrial Management and was a self-employed businessman in Land Management. He was owner/operator of Liberty Hill Plantation in Early County/Blakely, Ga. Other than his parents he was preceded in death by his brother, Dr. David Arnold.

Franklin is survived by his wife, Deborah Barnett Arnold of Blakely, his son, William Franklin Arnold, III & wife Lindsay of Savannah, Ga., two daughters, Melinda A. Miller & husband Todd of Athens, Ga. and Elizabeth A. Williams & husband Josh of St. Simons Island, Ga. He has a sister, Margaret A. Jackson & husband Jim of Forsyth, Ga. and 5 grandchildren: William Franklin Arnold, IV and Ashleigh Arnold, both of Savannah, Andrew and Davis Miller, both of Athens, Ga. and Elizabeth James Williams of St. Simons Island, Ga.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to either the American Heart Association, 1101 Northchase Parkway, Suite 1, Marietta, Ga. 30061-6411 or the the American Cancer Society, P. O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718.