Homegoing for Paul Arnold, Member of the Gospelaires of Dayton, OH

The following obituary was shared with TBGB by Eric LeBlanc. Another soldier gone.

ARNOLD, Mr. Paul A. “Easy”, age 74, of Dayton, passed away Sunday, October 22, 2006 at his residence.

A native Daytonian, he attended Roosevelt High School and was a veteran of the United States Navy. Paul accepted God at an early age. This was shown by his soulful & heartfelt singing. He was the lead singer of the Gospelairs of Dayton, who attained fame worldwide. With his deep love of God & music, he unselfishly devoted his time to help form numerous gospel & pop groups that are still singing today.

Preceded in death by his grandmother, Sathee Smith; mother, Ressie Stevens; father, James Arnold; aunts, Mary Cleveland, Lucy Walker; brothers, Lucious & James Arnold; grandson, Paul Alex Arnold, III. Survivors include his loving children, Khadijah Ali Seldon, Shaheeda A. (Shaheed) Saleem, Paul (Helen) Arnold, Jr., of Columbus, OH, Jerome Bruce (Jocelyn) Arnold, Marvyne Dixon; aunt, Flora Stevens; uncle, Ralph Smith; lifelong companion, Margaret Powell; special friend, Eva Mae Shaw; 13 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, 1 great-great grandson; special friends & surviving members of the Gospelairs of Dayton, Joe Brown, Charles McClean, Marvin Lattimore; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins & close friends.

Funeral service will be held 11 am Friday, October 27, 2006 at Mt. Olive Baptist Church, 502 Pontiac Street. Pastor Ronnie Hoard officiating. Interment Dayton National Cemetery. Visitation 9 am Friday at the church until the time of service. Family will receive friends one hour prior to service. Arrangements entrusted to the HOUSE OF WHEAT Funeral Home, Inc., 2107 North Gettysburg Avenue.

Special thanks to Hospice of Dayton for their support and care and Mr. Jim Johnson of WDAO Radio for his love and support. Online condolences may be expressed at [email protected]