Michael Leland "Mike" Arnold, Sr., 53, of Palatka, passed away peacefully and his spirit left his earthly body to be with the Lord on Monday, September 3, 2012 at Putnam Community Medical Center. A native and lifelong resident of Palatka, he was born on Sunday, November 2, 1958 to Jimmy L. Arnold, Sr. and Leona Rogers Arnold. He was educated in the Putnam County School District and later graduated from St. Augustine Vocational Technical School as a certified plumber. Mike was a member of First Born Church of the Living God and served as a Deacon trainee. Affectionately known as "Mike" by family & friends, he was formerly employed by Georgia-Pacific, Waste Pro Management and the Putnam County Parks and Recreation Department until his retirement due to declining health in 2009. In his spare time, he enjoyed landscaping, listening to music and spending time with family and friends. Michael's incredibly loving, generous, and warm heart enabled him to impact many lives, and for these reasons, he will be greatly missed. Mike had a passion for life and was an inspiration to many, especially his children. Mike will be remembered for his strength and will to live; he never gave up, even unto the very end. Michael was greeted in heaven by his father, Jimmy L. Arnold, Sr., step-father, Alfred E. Smith, Sr.; brothers, Ray C. Arnold and Bobby L. Arnold; father-in-law, Willie Leonard; and niece, Sonya M. Walker. Treasuring the loving memories: devoted wife of 17 years, Charlene Leonard Arnold, East Palatka; children, Sebrina Arnold, CharTeshia Leonard, Timothy Wiggins, Aaliyah McGee, Michael Arnold, Jr., Betty Arnold, Rae Lisa Arnold, Sharlena Arnold, Nygeria Arnold; all of Palatka; mother, Leona A. Smith, Palatka; mother-in-law, Betty J. Leonard, Palatka; brothers, Sgt. Greg Arnold, Louisville, KY; Bobby (Denise) Arnold, Houston, TX; Jimmy (Tina) Arnold, Palatka; Alfred (KaTonya) Smith, Palm Coast; sisters, Barbara Arnold, Palatka; Jackie (Steven) Holmes, Jacksonville; Vicki Arnold, Palatka; and Gina (Jason) Shaw, Florahome; 7 grandchildren, and a host of other relatives and beloved friends. Visitation of family and friends will be 5-8 p.m. Friday, September 7th at the "Chapel of Serenity". Homegoing Celebration will be 2 p.m. Saturday, September 8th at First Born Church of the Living God, 1708 Madison Street, Bishop Walter L. Smith, Sr., pastor, is the eulogist. The cortege will assemble at 1:15 p.m. at the Arnold family residence, 125 Vine Road, East Palatka. Interment will be in Oak Hill West Cemetery, Palatka