S. Arnold Nunnery, 80, of Statesville, N.C., passed away on Tuesday, December 10, 2019, at his home.
Mr. Nunnery was born September 2, 1939, in Stedman, N.C., and was the son of the late Herbert and Ava Cashwell Nunnery. He was a graduate of Stedman High School, received his B.S. in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and also received his Masters in Hospital Administration from Duke University.
He served in the US Navy as Lt. (Sr.) grade from 1962-1966, primarily aboard the USS Charles F. Adams (DDG-2). Arnold became the President and Chief Executive Officer of Iredell Memorial Hospital in April 1975, serving in that capacity for 30 years until retiring in December 2004.
In May of 1969, he married Mary Kirby Nunnery, who survives. Together, they both were members of First Baptist Church in Statesville, where Arnold was a former Deacon, Trustee and Sunday School Teacher. He also volunteered at Fifth Street Ministries.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by two children, S. Arnold “Arnie” Nunnery Jr. (Jamie) of Statesville and Mary Ava Nunnery of Denver, Colo.; two grandchildren, Justin and AJ Nunnery of Statesville; one brother, Ronald Nunnery of Stedman; one sister, Mary Joan Pridgen of Fayetteville, N.C., one brother-in-law, Gary Gillis of Cary, N.C.; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one sister, Laverne Gillis.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, December 14, 2019, at First Baptist Church with Rev. Nelson Gernade officiating. The family will visit with friends following the service in Adams Hall. Burial will be prior to the service in Oakwood Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County and Fifth Street Ministries. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.troutmanfuneralhome.com
Troutman Funeral Home is serving the family of Mr. S. Arnold Nunnery.
So sad to hear this, my sweet friend. You and the family are in my prayers.
I had the pleasure of working under Mr. Nunnery at Iredell for 26 of his years. He always put Nursing first and knew everyone by name! I was sorry to see him leave, yet happy that he could retire to be with family. Expressing sorrow for his passing and wishing his family comfort in this time of loss. He will always be remembered as the Best!
So sad to hear this. I worked at IMH from 1988 to 1998 and greatly respected Mr. Nunnery.
I have never had such a great leader in the health care system! No one could fill his shoes! He was humble but such a strong chief! God bless his family for their loss! RIP !
Mr. Nunnery was a GREAT administrator. Respected by everyone. It was a pleasure to work under his leadership for many years. Prayers for his friends and family. ❤️
Mr Nunnery was the finest administrator I ever worked for, he valued good patient care and also valued employees.He saw Iredell hospital as mission work.He was highly respected.
So sad to hear of Arnold Nunnery’s death and send condolences to his dear family. His strong faith was exemplified in his life and work, and he will be missed by all who knew, loved, and admired him.
Mr. Nunnery was the first person I worked for. He put patient care and his employees first. He was and is irreplaceable. Thanks for showing me what leadership and compassion should be.