Bill was born November 12, 1946, to Doctor and Margaret (Westcott) Arnold in Scott Field, Illinois. He attended Broken Bow Public Schools in Broken Bow, Nebraska and graduated high school in 1965. He then matriculated at the University of Nebraska Lincoln, where he was a member of the Alpha Theta Chi chapter of Chi Phi Fraternity and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts and Science in 1970. In 1973, Bill earned his Bachelor of Pharmacy from the Nebraska Medical Center, after which time he worked as a pharmacist in Beatrice until 1998. He then moved to Fremont, Nebraska, and continued his longtime association with Jim Barta as a pharmacist at Sav-Rx until 2020. Bill worked for 47 years as a pharmacist and was licensed in Illinois, Nebraska, New Jersey, Oklahoma, and Texas.
On June 6, 1970, Bill married Janice Radil in Ord, Nebraska. Their union brought two children, William George and Leigh Ashley.
Bill enjoyed racing cars and was a two-time participant in the Sandhills Open Road Challenge. In 2016, he completed the illustrious Mario Andretti Race Experience where he clocked a blistering 152.51 mph at the Dallas Motor Speedway, in Dallas, Texas. Bill enjoyed spending time with family and friends, especially when gathered at the lake house in Woodcliff, Nebraska. He also enjoyed Cornhusker football and shooting at the range. Bill was a proud lifetime member of the National Rifle Association.
Bill was a member of Christ Church Episcopal in Beatrice, Nebraska. He was a member of Masonic Lodge #26 of Beatrice, where he served as Worshipful Master. He was a past member of the Lincoln Sesostris Shrine. Bill was a polio survivor, having contacted the disease when he was eight years old.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents Doc and Peg Arnold; father-in-law Charles Radil; and Mother-in-Law Harriet Radil.
Survivors include Janice Radil Arnold, his wife of 50 years; his children, William (Jodi) Arnold, of Lakeview, South Dakota, and Leigh (Ramón) Domínguez, of Dallas, Texas; one unborn grandchild (Leigh and Ramón); Brother Karl (Special Friend Debra Gardner), of Raymore, Missouri; Sister Holly (Rick) Davison, of Rapid City, South Dakota; Sister Becky (Mike) Crawford, of Broken Bow; Brother-in-law Gary (Sara) Radil, of Omaha; Brother-in-law Dennis (Kim) Radil, of rural Comstock; and nephews and nieces.
Bill's family requests that memorials be sent to the Dodge County Humane Society, Fremont, Nebraska or the Masonic Home for Children in Fremont, Nebraska.
A Celebration of Life will be announced and held at a later date."
Ludvigsen Mortuary in Fremont is in charge of arrangements.
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
Condolences(8)
William Coker
Beatrice, NE Monday, October 19, 2020 My sincere condolences to Bill's family, whom I had the pleasure of knowing, when he lived in Beatrice. I served under him in the Masonic Lodge, and we had a great deal of fun. I will always miss him.Steven Shively
Lincoln, NE Monday, October 19, 2020 Dear Jan, George, and Leigh,I'm sorry to learn of Bill's passing. I enjoyed knowing him (and all of you) in Beatrice. His keen intelligence and thoughtfulness came through in my conversations with him. My sympathy to you and all of his friends and family. Steve Shively
Thomas Wilkinson
Grand Rapids, MI Sunday, October 18, 2020 My deepest condolences for my cousins and families loss.While I haven’t been able to see many on the Arnold side of my family tree in many years, I hold a great love and respect for all and you are always in my thoughts and prayers.Suzanne Byler
Beatrice, NE Saturday, October 17, 2020 My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Bill will be missed by all who knew him. I enjoyed working for Bill in Wymore and Beatrice.Terry Glaze
Broken Bow, NE Friday, October 16, 2020 Bill and I were close friends in high school and after. I have many fond memories sharing our love of cars and music.Kem Luther
Victoria, BC, NE Thursday, October 15, 2020 Remembering an old friend from Broken Bow, and many happy times together.Shindel Thomsen
Fremont, NE Wednesday, October 14, 2020 Sending my condolences to Jan , George and Lee you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Bill will be dearly missed. I have many wonderful memories of working with him for years . He definitely was one of a kind in a amazing way. Heaven gained another wonderful angel.Linda and Steve Schmit
Lincoln, NE Wednesday, October 14, 2020 Jan, George, and Leigh,We were so saddened to hear of Bill's passing today. Erin saw your post on Facebook and called us. We will always remember Bill as he tromped along with us to flea markets, football games, Indian Cave State Park, and the famous Chicago trip during the "Beatrice" years. We will be thinking and praying for your family at this time. May your memories bring you comfort.