Rodney Harrison Arnold, 67, of Adairville, was born in Greenville on March 23, 1959 and died Aug. 14, 2026 at his home. Rodney was predeceased by his parents, Norman Harrison Arnold and Joyce Faye Cain Arnold, his father-in-law Jerry Toomey, and brother-in-law. Jonathon Toomey.
Rodney grew up in Huntsville, Ky. and attended Butler County High School, graduating in 1977. As a young adult, Rodney worked as a roughneck, drilling oil wells for Frontier and Glenn Drilling in Owensboro, Henderson, Hawesville and Tell City Indiana. Along with his dad and brother, he also farmed raising corn, beans, tobacco, and sugar cane used in locally made sorghum.
In 1986, Rodney and Tawnya (Toomey) married and in 1988 moved to the Dot community of Adairville where they still have been residing. Through the years, Rodney raised his children, farmed with family, helped his neighbors, and made many lifelong friends. Rodney enjoyed hunting and fishing. Raising his sons and grandchildren to enjoy the sport as well. He liked nothing better than to spend a cool November day rabbit hunting with his friends, family and favorite dogs, or sitting in a deer stand trying to be quiet. He loved to talk.
Rodney is survived by his wife of 40 years, Tawnya Toomey Arnold; his four children and their spouses, Jacob (Ashley) Arnold and Jessie Arnold of Adairville, Joni (Preston) Monroe of Olmstead, and Jordan (Gabby) Arnold of Chandlers; his six spoiled and dearly loved grandchildren, Ava, Addy, and Ella of Adairville, Bennett and Amelia of Olmstead, and Lawton of Chandlers.
These babies were his greatest treasures and brought much joy and laughter to his life. Many of his mornings were spent taking the oldest girls to school and embarrassing them in one of his old beat-up cars. Followed by a stop at the Adairville BP, Trimble’s, or the Auto Parts, where he would talk, laugh, and gossip with the regulars. He attended every basketball, volleyball, and baseball game he possibly could and truly enjoyed watching all the grandbabies play, just as he had done with his own children.
Rodney is survived by a twin brother, Roger Arnold; his mothers-in-law and father in law, Steve and Lisa Thresher and Darlene Toomey; his brothers- and sisters-in-law, Stephanie (Gomer), Chris (Judy), Priscilla (Danny), Jeremiah ( Michele), and Nick (Mandy); and his nine nieces, nephews, and their spouses, and at least a dozen great nieces/nephews; his cousins too numerous to count, some of them whom he grew up alongside that were once as close as siblings. And, when they were together as adults, easily fell into their once joyful, laughter-filled banter.
Rodney is survived by many dearly loved friends and neighbors. Just to name a few, the entire Baldwin Clan, especially his best buddy Ted and the late Darrell Baldwin, Diania Carter and her family, Jonathon Brown, Gena Nichols, Wesley Walker and his family, Kayla Scruggs and her family.
He never met a stranger and could easily strike up a conversation with anyone willing to spare him a few minutes of their time. Not everyone was kind but Rodney was unaffected, never deterred in his friendliness towards them and willingness to lend a hand and show them the meaning of “love thy neighbor”. As adults now, several of his children’s childhood friends have spoken of how good Rodney was to them when they visited his home. He was designated by some residents of the community “Mayor of Dot”.
The family wishes to mention the exceptional care given by several employees of Hosparus Health Barren River, Kayla Scruggs, Melanie Scarbrough, Bethany Lack, and William Scofield. They were all wonderful in every way we needed.
Visitation will be 5-8 Thursday, Aug. 20 at Kirby Funeral Services Russellville. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 21, with visitation from 10 a.m.-1 pm in the chapel of Kirby Funeral Services Russellville with Chaplain William Sofield and Bro Ed Tackett. Burial to follow privately with family at The Baldwin Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hosparus Health Barren River, American Diabetes Association, or the charity of your choice.
Pallbearers Include:
Jacob Arnold, Jessie Arnold, Jordan Arnold, Preston Monroe, Brad Allred, Hunter Bogle, Derrick Markham, and Dillion Dulworth