Fred Richard Arnold

Fred Arnold, 83, a lifelong resident of Nederland, Texas, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, October 7, 2026. He was born on December 14, 1942.

Fred was the founder of Arnold's Billiard Supply, a business he nurtured for 57 years before his well-deserved retirement and the proud transition of ownership to his son, Mike Arnold. He found immense joy in operating the business with his devoted family. During his life in business, he never forgot how he had been mentored by others as a young entrepreneur and sought to pass along knowledge and practical skills to the many young people who were his valued employees throughout the years. Beyond his professional life, Fred was a lifelong car enthusiast and in his younger years enjoyed weekend drag races in Southeast Texas and Southwest Louisiana. He also loved water sports and boating. His first boat was a leaky wooden craft that he bought while still in high school. Fortunately, the quality and size of his watercraft grew and the family spent many happy hours and became lifelong friends with fellow boaters on the Neches River.

He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Debbie Arnold of Nederland; his son, Mike Arnold and his wife, Kathy of Nederland; his cherished grandchildren, Lauren Bruney and her husband, Andrew of Bastrop, Mina Arnold of Nederland, and Naysa Arnold of Nederland; and his great-grandchild, Hollis Bruney of Bastrop. Fred also leaves behind his band of brothers, Ted Arnold, Robert Arnold, Joe Arnold and their families, as well as a host of loving nieces, nephews, friends and other extended family.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Fred Leroy Arnold and Lillian Ware Arnold; his infant daughter, Roxanne; and his sister, Barbara Woodcock. He will be remembered as a quiet man with a good listening ear, honest business skills, and much love for his family and friends.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2026 at Melancon~Levingston Funeral Home, located at 1605 Avenue H in Nederland, from 10:00a.m. - 11:00a.m. with a Memorial Service to begin at 11:00a.m.