Biography: Michael Alan Arnold, 62, passed away peacefully on April 22, 2023 in a Fayetteville hospital, driven to the end by his concern for others, his good nature and zest for life.

Mike brought success to everything he undertook in business and in life, and he enjoyed sharing it with family, friends, employees and others while staying out of the spotlight. He dearly loved his wife of 27 years, Jane Routon Arnold, and their three children, Curtis Arnold of Fayetteville, Chad Arnold (Nicholas Miano) of Brooklyn, NY, and Annemarie Arnold of Fayetteville.

Mike was born on April 3, 1961 in Lamar, Missouri, to Frank John Arnold and Glenna Marie Courtney Arnold. He grew up in Shreveport, Louisiana, and attended St. Joseph’s Catholic School and Byrd High School. Mike went to Louisiana Tech University and graduated from LSU-Shreveport with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration and marketing.

Mike was an avid, excellent golfer and member of Pleasant Valley Country Club, where he also enjoyed card games in the Men’s Grill. He and Jane regularly attended Arkansas football and basketball games including bowl trips, SEC and NCAA tournaments, as well as Dallas Cowboys games.

He was a fan of many sports, but he also was proud to realize a lifelong dream of owning a thoroughbred race horse. The first horse he co-owned, Custer, won his first mount for Mike’s group at Oaklawn Park on Arkansas Derby Day in 2013.

Mike loved cooking and entertaining, especially when he and Jane hosted their legendary annual Christmas Eve parties. He was kind and generous, giving wherever he saw needs, mostly behind the scenes, never wanting credit or praise.

In 1994, Mike began a 29-year sales career at Lamb & Associates Packaging. Jerry Lamb influenced and enabled Mike’s growth and longtime success in the corrugated and packaging business.

In addition to his work at Lamb & Associates, Mike later jumped at the chance to open Jim’s Razorback Pizza in west Little Rock, eventually acquiring more locations in the Little Rock area and Northwest Arkansas.

Five years ago, Mike saw another ambitious business opportunity and expanded his legacy, buying the Old Post Office building in the Fayetteville Historic Square. After a daunting renovation project, he oversaw the 2019 opening of Cheers at the OPO, a thriving landmark restaurant now passing to his adult children after years of teaching them to operate it.

Mike was emphatic in his concern for the well-being of his staff, even as he expected a strong work ethic. Mike and Jane also have enjoyed traveling the nation and the world exploring new places, food and culture. From the design and décor of his restaurants and home to his wardrobe and shoes, Mike always had a keen eye for style.

He was predeceased by his parents and a sister, Susan. His surviving siblings are Jeanette Savage (Doc) of Pearland, Texas, Steven Arnold of Shreveport, Mary Anne Waldrip (Bill) of San Antonio and Beth Ann Arnold of Shreveport.

A service for Mike will take place at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 4, 2023, at St. James United Methodist Church in Little Rock, followed by a reception at Pleasant Valley Country Club.
 
Memorials may be sent to St. James United Methodist Church, 321 Pleasant Valley Drive, Little Rock, Ark. 72212, or to the Fayetteville Independent Restaurant Alliance (providing immediate financial relief to hospitality industry professionals), 310 West Dickson St., Fayetteville, Ark. 72701, or fayira.org.
 
The family deeply appreciates the care and support of physicians and staff at Washington Regional Medical Center in Fayetteville.
 
Cremation arrangements by Nelson-Berna Funeral Home, Fayetteville, AR. Local arrangements under the direction of RuebelFuneralHome.com