Donald E. Arnold, Jr. and Margaret Omert Arnold

Donald E. Arnold, Jr., 74, and Margaret Omert Arnold, 77, of Edisto Island, South Carolina, entered into eternal rest November 17 and 18, 2024, respectively, surrounded by their family. Their Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, November 24, 2024, at their Edisto Island home, at 2:00 pm. Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. West Ashley Chapel.

Donald, “Donnie” was born June 18, 1950, in Akron, Ohio, son of the late Donald E Arnold and Delores Cutlip. Donnie was a proud graduate of Goose Creek High School in 1970. Donnie worked his way to managing the Winn Dixie in Goose Creek. He worked multiple construction jobs with his best friend Kenny Walker. Donnie began his career as an electrician in the early 1980s, building a trusted and successful electrician team with his partner Dave Salter. Donnie could often be seen cruising his motorcycle through Edisto or fishing and shrimping on his boat in Big Bay Creek or the South Edisto Inlet. Donnie was beloved by all of his customers and friends who will remember his gregarious personality and honest love for all the people he would meet.

Margaret was born April 2, 1947, in Kenmore, New York, daughter of the late Leo Omert and Edna Anthony. Margaret earned her LPN from Ithaca School of Practical Nursing in 1968. Margaret was a devoted wife and mother. After moving to Edisto Beach in 1988, she worked in hospitality, managing food and beverage at Fairfield Ocean Ridge for several years before moving to work for the state parks in Edisto. Margaret always had a love for animals, volunteering for many years with local animal rescue. She had many “favorite” pets, including Nik, Fletcher, Bronco, Radar, Teddy and Geno. Margaret was also a fantastic writer, penning many short stories and two published columns, Soccer Kicks, covering local soccer in the Summerville Journal Scene and Ask Rosie, a pet advice column in the Edisto News. Margaret lived her life with love in every aspect. Her empathy and caring will be sorely missed.

Donnie and Margret started their decades long love of over 35 years spending time together in Edisto Beach, SC and Santee, SC. In 1988 they were married and moved to Edisto Beach. Donnie and Margaret loved to socialize with friends. In the early years they would camp at Pine Island. Come weekend, their home was always buzzing with friends and food. Whether celebrating special occasions with friends or catching a Gamecocks football game, they always welcomed friends as family members. Margaret and Donnie were beloved parents and grandparents, great grandparents and devoted dog parents. Margaret and Donnie’s love was unique, plenty of joking and fun, but when it came down to it, they had each other’s backs right to the end. Their support was evident right to the last day, when Donnie entered into rest, Margaret followed less than 24 hours after to join him and all her pet friends at the rainbow bridge.

They are survived by sons, Robert (Krista) Arnold of Moncks Corner, SC; William Meeker (Sharron O’Day) of Brookfield, MA; two daughters, Elizabeth Greene, Debby (Steve) Black; Grandchildren, Isabela Meeker, Liam Meeker, Grace Austin, Connor Austin, Cameron Arnold, Robbie Arnold, Noelle Arnold and Casey Arnold, as well as great grand daughter Leah Arnold. They were preceded in death by son Donald E Arnold III and grandson Donald E Arnold IV. 

Donnie and Margaret were blessed to have befriended Sonya Spainhour, a trusted ally that was always there for them when they needed help, especially toward the end.

Memorials may be made to Animal Lovers of Edisto Canine Rescue.

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