Rickey V. Arnold Sr.

Rickey Venoris Arnold Sr., lovingly known by many as “Baggy Britches,” was born on July 30, 1962, in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, to Bennie Lee Arnold Sr. and Orine Arnold. On Thursday, June 25, 2026, at 3:36 a.m., Rickey peacefully departed this life, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, faith, and unforgettable memories.

Rickey was a man whose presence could light up any room. He carried a spirit that was warm, joyful, and full of life. If you knew him, you knew his heart. He loved deeply, laughed often, and made it his mission to spread love and joy everywhere he went. He had a way of making people feel seen, welcomed, and appreciated, and he never met a stranger for long. Whether through a kind word, a helping hand, or one of his classic sayings, Rickey had a gift for making others smile.

One of the things he was most known for was his love for family. There was nothing more important to him than the people he held dear. He cherished spending time with his children, grandchildren, extended family, and friends, and he especially had a soft spot for the kids in the family. He loved on them big, encouraged them, and made sure they knew they mattered. He was the kind of man who would put others before himself without hesitation, always willing to help, always ready to show up for the people he loved.

That loving nature showed up early in his life. As a young teenager, Rickey was known for helping his younger sister, Glinda, with tasks around the house. He helped with cleaning, cooking, and even preparing his mother’s clothes—small acts that reflected the caring, dependable, and giving spirit he carried throughout his life. Looking back, it’s clear that taking care of the people he loved was simply part of who he was.

Rickey attended Arkadelphia Public Schools, where he met his high school sweetheart, Linda Bullock. On January 20, 1984, the two were united in marriage, and from that union came four beautiful children—two boys and two girls—who remained among Rickey’s greatest blessings and proudest accomplishments: Though Rickey and Linda later divorced in 2001, the love he had for his children remained a central part of his life.

Rickey accepted Christ at an early age and carried his faith with him throughout his life. He joined Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church and later became a member of Gennesaret Missionary Baptist Church. Rickey spent time living in Washington State from 1990 to 1993, and later returned in 2002, where he made his home and remained for the rest of his life. After returning to Washington, he became a member of Second Baptist Church in Everett, Washington, where he remained an attendee until his passing.

Rickey was also known for his playful personality and an unforgettable sense of humor. His nickname, “Baggy Britches,” came from his younger days when he was known for wearing pants a little too big for him—something that became even more noticeable when he would get to dancing at parties. It was one of those nicknames that fit him perfectly and became a part of the joy and laughter he brought everywhere he went. One of his favorite sayings was “Hey girl,” and those who knew him can still hear it in his voice. He also had a well-known habit of saying he was “on his way” to the function, event, or gathering—while everyone who knew him also knew he probably hadn’t even left the house yet. That was Rickey: funny, charming, and always himself.

Rickey had a deep love for music, food, fellowship, and fun. He absolutely loved old-school R&B music, and if one of his favorite songs came on, chances were he was going to sing right along with it and dance too. He was a unique dresser with his own unmistakable style, and he was definitely a big joker who kept people laughing. He loved good food and had some clear favorites, including fried fish, barbecue, fried chicken, and smothered potatoes. He also loved manning the grill, enjoying a good cookout with family and friends, and creating the kind of moments people remember long after the food was gone.

Rickey believed in enjoying life and embracing the simple things that brought him happiness. He loved betting the horses, fishing, going to the casino, watching football and basketball, and spending quality time with family and friends. He also enjoyed playing dominoes and spades, where his personality, humor, and competitive spirit always found a way to shine. He believed life was meant to be lived, and he made the most of it with laughter, stories, music, and love.

He was a hardworking man who believed in taking care of business and doing what needed to be done. For the last 10 years, Rickey worked for Courtesy Glass in Woodinville, Washington, where he was a dedicated employee. Before that, he worked for Safeway and held many warehouse jobs throughout his life. No matter the role, he worked hard and carried himself with determination and pride.

Rickey was preceded in death by his parents, Bennie Lee Arnold Sr. and Orine Arnold; his sister, Linda Box; and his brother, Willie Stephens, the firstborn of his siblings, who passed away as an infant.

He leaves to cherish his memories his children: Ricky Arnold Jr. (Kristin Arnold), Keasa Hayes (Tyson Hayes), Xavier Arnold, and Sintara Arnold (Bryan Bartee); his longtime companion of over 20 years, Shasta Rhodes of Everett, Washington; his brother, Bennie Lee Arnold Jr. (Shelia Henson) of Marysville, Washington; his sister, Glinda (Willie, Sr.) Barton of Arkadelphia, Arkansas; 12 grandchildren, 5 bonus grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends who will forever hold his memory close.

To know Rickey was to know joy, generosity, and love. He was a man who loved hard, laughed loud, dressed in his own style, danced like nobody was watching, and gave freely of himself. He leaves behind not only memories, but a feeling—one of warmth, comfort, laughter, and genuine love. His legacy lives on in the family he adored, the lives he touched, and the stories that will be told for years to come.

Though he is no longer with us in the way we wish, his spirit remains in every family gathering, every song turned up a little louder, every plate of fried fish or barbecue, every game of spades or dominoes, every “Hey girl,” every joke, and every moment of love shared between those he held dear.

Well done, Rickey. You were truly the life of the party, the heart of the family, and a light to so many. You will be deeply missed and forever loved!

The floral escorts will be the ladies of AHS Class of 1981. The active pallbearers will the the AHS Class of 1981 and Tyson Hayes. The honorary pallbearers will be Darren Guinn Sr., Darren Guinn Jr., Lee Box Jr., Kentrel Jones, Keland Guinn and Landen Blakely.