Arnold Lee Deagle, a Mathews, Va., native, who travelled the world as a Merchant Mariner, died unexpectedly in his sleep June 13, 2014, while visiting family in Georgia. He was 66.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, cooking, beagles and beer. He could fix anything, and was generous with his skills as a handyman.

Mr. Deagle made the best fried catfish and steamed crabs you’d ever want to eat. His “potato salad,” unfortunately, included whatever miscellaneous ingredients he found in his refrigerator.

He acquired his first long gun at age eight, hiding it in the woods so his parents wouldn’t discover it. Always headstrong, he left home as a child. He married young and started having children shortly after.

Mr. Deagle was plainspoken and direct. He was proud to be called a redneck, and he did not suffer fools gladly. His gruff demeanor dissolved, however, when he spent time with his children—particularly his six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. On this trip to Georgia he got to meet his first great-grandson, Jackson Shackelford.

A burly man, he had both of his arms tattooed before it was stylish. Incorporated in the designs were the names of his children. Generally dressed in denim and camo, he was the guy you’d see leaning against a pickup, passing the time with friends or acquaintances. At home in Redart, his sidekick was a little black-and-white fluff ball, his Shih Tzu named Chance.

Mr. Deagle was a son of Hadley and Margaret Deagle, both deceased. He also was predeceased by brothers, Edward, Billy and Keith. His sister, Cathy (Edward) Walker survives.

Other survivors include his sons, Randy, Robert (Sonnee) and Joshua (Shanna) Deagle; and daughters Brenda (Ross) Tillage and Lisa (Scott) Rowland. Two nephews, Gregory and Tony Deagle, were like sons to him. Also surviving is his longtime companion, Judith Haynes.

As he wished, there will be no service. His ashes will be scattered at his favorite hunting and fishing sites—which, of course, shall remain secret. 

In lieu of flowers, Arnold would like for you to make a donation in his name that will be distributed to the charities he requested. https://www.giveforward.com/fundraiser/k1y4/donations-in-remembrance-of-arnold-deagle.

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