John Arnette

JOHN W. “DOOLY” ARNETTE Melbourne John W. “Dooly” Arnette, 91, Lt. Colonel USAF (Ret.), passed away January 27, 2011. Born on March 24, 1919, in White Oak, SC, he was the last remaining of ten children of Robert Evans and Sara Hall Arnette. He spent his childhood in Winnsboro, SC, before attending Clemson University. He left after two years to join the Army Air Corp in 1942, embarking on a 27-1/2 year career. He served at 18 duty stations including the Far Eastern and Southern commands, as well as the Pentagon. Retiring in 1969, he moved to Coral Gables, FL, and began a second career with the Florida Dept of Labor and Employment Security until retiring in 1981. In 1982, he began his third career in the export business until retiring in 1992. In 1992, he moved to Melbourne’s Indian River Colony Club, where he loved golfing, being of assistance to his neighbors, the Chapel program, and volunteering with the Space Coast Chapter of the American Red Cross at Patrick Air Force Base. He was a faithful servant to God, country, family and friends. He was predeceased by his wife, Phyllis Jean Pelton. He leaves son, John C. (wife Joyce) of IRCC and their children John D. Arnette and Kari L. Essig, both of Wilmington, NC and son, Peter M. (wife Denise) of Charlotte, NC. Also surviving are sisters-in-law,Catherine Arnette of Winnsboro, SC, Milly Arnette of Jacksonville, Fl., and Mary Pelton of St. Croix,V.I. and many nephews, nieces and special friends. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the American Red Cross or a charity of choice. A memorial service and reception to celebrate his life will be held at 3:00 p.m., March 24, 2011, (his 92nd birthday) at IRCC’s Colony Hall, 1600 Old Glory, Melbourne, FL, 32940. Entombment at Woodlawn Park Cemetery, Miami, FL.