TEXARKANA MAGAZINE
The Texarkana College Board of Trustees in the 1980s, Ben Sandefur, Dr. Carl “Cheesie” Nelson, Truman Arnold,
Dr. F.E. Gene Joyce, Vasco McCoy, and Connor Patman
Truman Arnold with his best pal, the late Senator David Pryor from Arkansas
Pinkerton, at TC who took an interest in me and tremendously influenced me. He was a favorite professor to so many in Texarkana, including Ross Perot. Watty Myers, my football coach at Texas High, instilled discipline and toughness in his players. He was a teacher and a leader.” During one of the more memorable moments of the evening, Arnold stated, “As you become older, you become the mentor, and you realize that sometimes those you are mentoring mean more to you than you mean to them. Mentoring is contagious. If you’ve been mentored, you want to do it for others. You appreciate and admire people and see their talent.” Arnold’s current team would agree wholeheartedly. Deidra Reeves, one of the trusted members of the Arnold family business, said about working with Arnold, “It is an absolute honor to work alongside Truman Arnold. His comments at the Annual Celebration expressed how the community built him into the man he is today. He is still very proud of this town, and it reminded me of how special this place is, that I call home.” Kevin Norman, a trusted friend and colleague of the Arnold family, reinforced Reeve’s sentiments. “When I started working for Truman, I never imagined the impact he would have on my life. And I can say without hesitation that his impact on the Texarkana community is the same—immeasurable and everlasting. I am honored to have him as my boss, but even more as my friend.”
Many people commented throughout the night regarding their kids and grown children in the audience witnessing history in the making. One such audience member, Adyson Mayo, a fifth-generation Texarkana resident, summed up the evening by saying, “I really enjoyed hearing Mr. Arnold speak about starting his business right here in Texarkana right about the same time my great-grandfather started Mayo Manufacturing. It’s easy to see the impact that generation made on Texarkana. I know they made a huge difference in my dad’s life and how he gives back to Texarkana.” Madeleine Russell, a sixth-generation Texarkanian and Coordinator of Communication and Engagement at Texarkana College says, “My favorite moment of the evening was hearing Mr. Arnold share how much Texarkana means to him. To see him become emotional as he looked over at his family seated by the stage, I couldn’t help but reflect on the generations of families that have been blessed by this community.” Truman Arnold is undoubtedly a friend to Texarkana and its residents. Those fortunate enough to be in the room to hear his powerful reflections on his life and how our hometown shaped him were forever changed. At the end of it all, he challenged us to celebrate our oneness and unity once again. “I think you still have it,” he declared. “Figure out what will disrupt this community. The price is right for homes, and the cost of living is half what it is in Dallas. Keep that glue and decide who you want to be. Love your community. Thank you for remembering us. We will always remember you.”
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BUSINESS & POLITICS
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