Christopher "Chaz" Arnold

Christopher Charles Davidson Arnold, affectionately known as “Chaz”, was born in Dayton, Ohio on April 23, 1997 (on his grandmother’s birthday) to the union of the late Christopher James Arnold and Mildred Elaine Davidson. Chaz was an only child but had four loving mothers—his biological mother Mildred “Cookie”, grandmother Mattie “Love”, and his aunts Carletta “Aunt C” and Tawnyell “Aunt T.” Chaz was a quiet gentle giant with a beautiful smile. 

Chaz attended Catholic School from grades 1-8 and graduated high school from Dayton Early College Academy (DECA) in 2001. He was an honor student in all his 12 years of education. In high school, he sat on the Ohio Governor’s Student Board. Upon graduation, Chaz attended Florida Atlantic University majoring in “Marine Biology” and specializing in Cetology/Elasmobranchology (the study of sharks) and the University of Cincinnati. 

Chaz was a 2015 Beautillion Militaire with Jack and Jill of America, Inc., Dayton Chapter, and was awarded the highest scholarship. Chaz had an intellectual and analytical mind and was savvy with difficult puzzles and technological formats. He was patient and attentive when teaching others, especially his elders. Chaz was employed by firms such as, Microsoft, Apple, Verizon and Tesla in high tech positions. 

Chaz Arnold was an avid, competitive swimmer with Dayton Dolphins and Ponitz Swim Team. He completed the Junior Naval Cadet Program in 2012. He had a great affinity for the ocean and its inhabitants, demonstrated by becoming a certified open water scubber diver with the National Association of Black Scuba Divers. He was a 2011 National Judo Champion, brown belt, with Dayton Martial Arts Center (DAMAC). Chaz loved wild, exotic animals such as pythons, reptiles, whales, sharks and dolphins but would hurt himself and anyone around him trying to get away from a tiny mayfly.

Early in life, Chaz professed his faith in Jesus Christ and was baptized by Pastor Jimmy Washington of Phillips Temple CME Church. His abroad travels took him to Guatemala on a missionary quest to assist with building homes for the residents. He also gave back to his community by volunteering many hours at the Dayton Boonshoft Museum of Discovery. 

At the young age of 27 on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at Kettering Health Main Campus, God, in His infinite grace and mercy gently sealed the eyes of Christopher Charles Davidson Arnold. Chaz has joined his family in heaven including his father Christopher Arnold, his loyal dog Bear and a host of other relatives and friends. 

Chaz would like us to celebrate his life and transition with love and sweet remembrances. He leaves to cherish his memory, devoted and loving mother Mildred (Tony Graham) Arnold-Graham; grandmother, Mattie Davidson; aunts, Kim Arnold, Carletta (Mark) Bryant, and Tawnyell (Datalion) Culpepper; uncles, Robbie (Mori Johnson), and David Davidson; the extended Graham family, his dedicated godparents George and Jody Garnes and a host of other loving relatives and friends. 

Chaz was a scholar of many things but was exceptionally skilled and knowledgeable about the ocean and aquatic life. Chaz loved the water and especially swimming in the ocean. Whenever you see the bluest of waters and waves leaping up as if to hug you-- think of Chaz. Chaz was in-depth, full of wisdom and quiet calmness…these are also words equated to the ocean. 

Visitation will be held Thursday, September 19, 2024 from 10:00am - 11:00am with memorial service to follow, all at Phillips Temple CME Church, 3620 Shiloh Springs Road Trotwood, OH 45426.