Arnold Smith

Arnold Smith, age 86, of Dayton, passed away on December 11, 2020, at Fort Hamilton Hospital. Arnold was born on December 27, 1933, in Kellacey, KY. He was the son of Charlie and Maggie (Collinsworth) Smith and was raised on their family farm.

Arnold was a true patriot and loved his country and the American flag. He served his country by enlisting in the United States Army. He attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and received an Honorable Discharge after 20 years of service. For many years, Arnold was a manager for the Dayton Press, formerly known as McCall's. Arnold was an entrepreneur at heart and owned several businesses throughout his life. He had a great passion for real estate and business. He founded ARECO Real Estate Company, which is still in operation. He also owned and operated ABC Staffing, Edgewood Pub and Grub in Springboro and owned several rental properties including the Kitty Hawk Building.

Throughout his life, Arnold believed in education. He was an avid reader and enjoyed reading, especially on the topics of world history, finance and politics. Arnold was known for his generous heart and helping families less fortunate than him with their rent. He would look forward to spending time with his family and many friends by going to his favorite restaurants such as Ponderosa, Red Lobster, KFC, and Marion's Pizza. He spent many Saturday mornings eating breakfast at Frisch's with his brother Virgil. Arnold was known for having a tomato and butter with almost every meal. He was fascinated with hot air balloons and to celebrate his 75th birthday, his family surprised him with a hot air balloon ride. His dog "Benji" was Arnold's best friend for many years.

Arnold is survived by his wife, Mary; his loving daughters, Lisa (Oscar) Lopez of Dayton, Debra (Keith) Strader of Dayton, Wanda Anderson of Miamisburg, and Pamela (Stan) Jones of Poplar Bluff, MO; step-daughters, Kathy (Eddie) of Crossville, TN and Karen (Cliff) Parker of New Lebanon, OH; step-son, Gary Dixon of West Carrollton; brother, Virgil (Jean) Smith of Miamisburg. He is also survived by 17 grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter. Many loving nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his sisters, Ruby Mays, Hazel Blackburn, and Joyce Bingham; brothers, Stanley Smith and Edsel Smith; grandson, Michael Jones, son-in-laws, Elmer (Debra) Pauley and Jeff Anderson and brother-in-law, James Motley, who was also one of his best friends for many years.

Appreciation to his home health aides; Natalie from Kettering Home Care and Elizabeth from Capital Health Home Care.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, December 16, 2020, 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions, 820 Miamisburg-Centerville Road, Dayton, OH with Pastor Tim Livingston officiating. Arnold will be laid to rest, with military honors, on Thursday, December 17, 2020 at the Dayton National Cemetery.

The state of Ohio is under a mandatory mask order and has required that face mask will be worn in all public places.

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