TEXARKANA MAGAZINE
Anita and Truman Arnold
Truman Arnold with all his grandchildren, Anthony, Regan, Nora, and Jack
Jack, Greg, Truman, and Anthony Arnold
1990 was one of the hardest moments of his life. Among his countless contributions, Tony had played a key role in expanding the Road Runner stores, including the introduction of their fried chicken, cinnamon rolls, and famous biscuits. Fueled by the success in biscuit sales, Truman purchased his first jet and cleverly named it “The Golden Biscuit.” In 2016, Truman decided it was time to step back, passing ownership of Truman Arnold Companies (TAC) to his son, Greg Arnold. This transition ensured the business remained in the family and in good hands. By 2022, TAC Air had sold all 17 of its fixed-base operations, marking a new chapter in the company’s evolution. Meanwhile, TAC Energy remains a $5 billion-a-year company, still carrying forward its legacy. Truman Arnold’s life has been defined by bold moves, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to his values. He has built a business empire from scratch, transforming the gas and energy industry and shaping Texarkana’s economic landscape. But beyond the numbers and corporate deals, he remains a storyteller, a risk-taker, a family man, and a loyal friend. His ability to see opportunities where others see roadblocks makes him great. His legacy, built with Anita by his side, will not just be measured in business success but in the people he has mentored, the lives he has touched, and the community he helped build.
Truman’s sharp sense of humor and love for storytelling make him a natural at captivating any audience, whether in a boardroom or a casual gathering. His quick wit and well-timed one-liners always bring laughter. Beneath his business instinct, he has always been deeply sentimental, never straying far from his Texarkana roots. He has been known to buy back old childhood properties, not for investment, but simply because they hold meaning for him. Truman met Anita Ray Arnold, the woman who would become his most trusted confidante and partner in life. The two were married in 1987, building a beautiful blended family. Anita also has a keen business mind. Her influence played a key role in their banking ventures and philanthropy. Together, this power couple has leveraged their success to make a lasting impact on both politics and philanthropy. Their business ventures extended into banking, where they were major shareholders in State First National Bank that sold to Regions Bank, in 1995 they purchased First National Bank of New Boston, which later became Century Bank. They expanded it into a thriving regional institution before selling it to Wells Fargo. In addition to their business achievements, they have been deeply engaged in national organizations. Truman has always been deeply proud of his children, Tony, Renee, Greg, and Stephanie. The tragic loss of his son, Tony, in
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BUSINESS & POLITICS
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