On March 20, 1992, a special gift to mother, Ferecia Bivins-Davis, and father, Gregory Arnold, Sr., both of Quitman, GA, was born. Little did they know this special baby would grow up to become a man who would impact the lives of so many people far and near.
On Wednesday, May 8, 2024, God deemed it His will to wrap Gregory Arnold, Jr., in His arms at the tender age of 32, making his transition in Henry County, GA, doing what he enjoyed, a cool evening motorcycle ride.
He leaves heartbroken a family he loved and cherished to continue celebrating a legacy of love, living life to the fullest, pursuing your dreams at all cost, and never giving up. He is survived by his First Love, his mother, Mrs. Ferecia Bivins-Davis (Henry), and his father, Mr. Gregory Arnold, Sr., of Quitman, GA; siblings who were inseparable and shared much laughter and adventures together, Miss Dionne Arnold of Quitman, GA and Mr. Dominique Arnold (Zhantel) of Valdosta, GA; very special and one and only niece, his little tag-a-long to football games, Little Miss Marleigh Herrington of Quitman, GA; stepsisters and brother, Mary Davis, Edna Davis, and Henry Davis III; very special and doting grandmother who called him her "Little Chocolate Drop" and texted daily, Mrs. Dorothy Owens (Clifford GrandPops); grandfather who gave him his first ride on a four wheeler/ATV, Mr. Lewis Arnold of Quitman, GA; very special friend, Shameka Josey; aunts and uncles who all said that Gregory is "our baby too," Angela Reed, Andrew McGhee (Shanta), DeShonyia Bivins-Sloan (Larry), Thomas Bivins, Ir. (Lynn), Ricky Arnold, Sr. (Devris), Keith Arnold (Stephanie), Vashon Arnold, Tawanda Arnold, and Precious Arnold, Louis Arnold, Jr. (Kathleen), Derrick Guineyard, April Arnold, Ebony Golden, and Tamara Arnold; he also leaves behind a host of special first cousins, "The Rugrats," Sharee, Hannah, Harriett, Caleb, Diamon, Deja, Destiny, Manda, and Sha; "Team Arnold," Meme, Jejuan, Little Ricky, Rickell, Chez, and Eisha; and an additional 35 first cousins.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandmother, Mrs. Gloria Arnold; and maternal grandfather, Mr. Thomas "Buck" Bivins.
Gregory attended both Brooks and Lowndes County public schools. He graduated from Lowndes High Class of 2011. At Lowndes High, he was given an opportunity to join the band where he pursued his love of playing on the drumline with the Lowndes High Georgia Bridgemen, which made his granddad, "Buck," proud. After high school, he served his country by becoming a member of the United States Army. He valued his service as PFC Arnold and received several medals during his career: National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Ribbon, Overscas SR, Sharpshooter Marksmanship badge with rifle bar. In 2015, he received an honorable discharge. During his time, served he also became a part of a Brotherhood known as a Master Mason (/GI) by the MW Prince Hall Grand Lodge F&AM of Oklahoma on January 14, 2014, Lodge #141 of South Korca. He continued to serve his community, taking his first Georgia Department of Corrections job at Valdosta State Prison (CERT Team). At the time of his transition, he was employed with the Georgia Department of Corrections Special Management Unit in Jackson, GA, and had earned the rank of Sergeant Gregory Arnold, Jr., where he touched many lives and shared his deep love of family. Sergeant Gregory was an avid Georgia Bulldog, Atlanta Falcons, and Atlanta Braves fan, deeply holding true to the love of the colors Red, Black, and White. He had a genuine spirit of caring, being a listening car or shoulder to cry on. He had a smile that would light up the room and smooth dark skin that made him even more handsome and got him his first nickname, "Smokey." He will forever be our "Lil Greg." "Big Diesel," "His Momma's Baby," "Big Nephew." and "Gregordegory."
He also leaves a host of other sorrowing relatives, friends, classmates, special classmates, Mike, Thomas, Chris, Demetrius, and Aaron, previously known as the "Fab Five," and Jordy, Army buddies, and co-workers to continue on his legacy of compassion for the people, work hard, enjoy life to the fullest and "SMILE," and always ride with the wind. May the wind always be at your back and the sun upon your face. And may the wings of destiny carry you aloft to dance with the stars. We Love You, Greg, So Much and will miss you deeply.
Visitation will be Saturday, May 18, 2024 from 2PM-7PM.
A celebration of life will be Sunday, May 19, 2024 at 2PM at the Church of God in Unity, 709 East Boundary Street, Quitman, GA, with Elder Tracy Hill, officiating, eulogist. Burial will follow in Hillcrest Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Visit this website or our Stevens-McGhee Funeral Home Facebook page to view a livestream of the celebration.
Continue to keep the family in your thoughts and prayers.