1931-2026
Rev. Fred Hutchinson Arnold, age 94, of Pine Bluff, a United Methodist minister for over 50 years, died February 23, 2026.
He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Jane Powell Arnold; a daughter, Kim Lytle (John) of Watson; a son, Doug Arnold of Nashville, TN; and two grandchildren, Mary Jane Lytle of Stuttgart and John Lytle, Jr. of Dallas, TX.
He was preceded in death by parents, Rev. Fred Locke Arnold and Willie Belle Anderson Arnold; a brother, Joe Arnold (Helen); and a sister, Mary Lazenby (Wayne).
He was born July 26, 1931 at Traskwood in Saline County. The son of a Methodist minister, he spent his early years in several places where his father was appointed, including Louann, Star City, and Camden. He graduated from Texarkana High School and then Hendrix College, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in religion and philosophy. He earned a Master of Divinity degree from the Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University.
During his years of ministry in the United Methodist Church, he served as pastor in Little Rock, Hot Springs, Arkadelphia, and Pine Bluff, prior to being appointed as District Superintendent of the Camden District. After his retirement, he continued in his preaching and music ministry at Altheimer Methodist Church. He was a gifted pianist and shared his God-given talents everywhere he could.
Fred served on the Little Rock Conference Board of Education and as chairman of the Board of Evangelism. He was a trustee of Hendrix College for six years and a delegate to the South-Central Jurisdictional Conference in 1976.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.
The visitation will be Friday, February 27, 2026, beginning at 10:00 a.m. at First Methodist Church of Pine Bluff. The service will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Carlton Cross officiating. Burial will be on Saturday, 10:00 a.m. in Pinecrest Cemetery at Alexander by Robinson & Fuller.
