Ray "Terry" Arnold

Ray “Terry” Nicholas Arnold, 59, of Fall Creek, WI, died Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, 2015, at Mayo Clinic Health Systems in Eau Claire. He was born in Baytown, TX, on May 10, 1956, a son of Ray and Mary Jo (Sullivan) Arnold. Terry was born able to hear, but in his early years he came down with an ear infection. Unfortunately the medication used to treat the infection caused him to lose his hearing. Terry went to school for the deaf in Houston, TX, where he learned how to read lips and speak properly. Terry was in the ROTC in high school and made Lieutenant Colonel. Terry did construction work and was an apprentice for the Water Management in Houston. Terry was a bouncer at Gilley’s Night Club in Pasadena, TX, which earned him a role as a bouncer in the John Travolta movie Urban Cowboy. Terry wore a broad hat and had a big grin; he was known as the “Gentle Giant”. He was also a good two-stepper. Terry moved to Louisiana, where he met the love of his life, Lisa Parmer. They married and have a beautiful daughter, Janice Jo “JJ” Arnold. Terry was a loving father and husband for 22 years. Terry worked as a Veterinary Assistant at veterinary clinics in Fort Polk and Shreveport, LA. He had a way with animals and loved caring for them, and they loved him. Around home, Terry was known as the “animal whisperer”. Terry loved fishing and crabbing, and could be a very competitive fisherman. He was an excellent cook, and early in life, worked as a chef at many well-known restaurants. Terry is loved and will be greatly missed by his wife, Lisa; daughter, JJ; sister, Tina Nichols; brother-in-law, David Nichols; half-sister, Jodie Arnold Sanders; nieces and nephews, David, Joshua, Billy Joe and Mary Jordan; and a host of cousins, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Jo Sullivan; and beloved aunt, Sue Warrick. Memorial Services will be held at a later date in Louisiana.

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