Vernie Richard Arnold, Sr.
1937-2026
Vernie Richard Arnold, Sr., age 88, of Berkeley Springs, W.Va. passed away on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at Winchester Medical Center in Winchester, Va.
Born February 24, 1937, he was the son of the late Charles Edward and Wabana Ellen Smith Arnold.
He attended of Berkeley Springs Church of the Nazarene and practiced his faith daily.
He worked as a forklift operator and heavy equipment operator for General Motors for 37 years.
He loved hunting, fishing and family. Vernie was most proud of his family, his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and their education achievements and career paths.
He was commonly referred to as the Apple Butter King. One of his greatest joys was making apple butter with his family and participating in the Apple Butter Festival.
He is survived by his wife, Myrtle Marian Hobday Arnold, at home, four daughters, Vicki Lee Armel (Bill), Martinsburg, W.Va., Pamela Kay Unger (Denny), Jackie Marie Riggleman (Roger) and Patricia Ann Caldwell (Nelson “Chick”), all of Berkeley Springs, W.Va., one brother, eleven grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Vernie Richard Arnold, Jr.
Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. on Saturday, January 24, 2026 at Helsley-Johnson Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 95 Union Street, Berkeley Springs, W.Va. with Pastor Rodney Truax officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Nebo Cemetery, Great Cacapon, W.Va. The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Morgan Student Aid Fund, Memory of Vernie Arnold, c/o Tracy Lord, PO Box 130, Berkeley Springs, WV 25411.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.helsleyjohnsonfh.com.
