Nellie Wright Arnold McNees

It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Nellie Wright Arnold McNees, age 95, who peacefully passed on Tuesday, July 11, 2023, at her sons’ home in Dinwiddie, Va., in the care of family and her compassionate caregivers.  She was preceded in death by her mother, Myrtle Wright; husband, Raymond “Red” C. Arnold, Sr. (married for 46 years); husband, Dave McNees (married for 16 years); brother, Robert L. Wright;  son, Raymond “Ray” C. Arnold, Jr. She is survived by her son, Richard (Wanda) Arnold of Dinwiddie, VA.; daughter in law, Carol Arnold; stepdaughter, Karen McNees of Imperial, PA.; stepson, David (Carol) McNees of Imperial, PA.; stepdaughter, Melanie (Jim Hickey) Helton of Monument, CO.

Nellies’ home was always full of love for her family and especially her seven grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. She loved making wonderful memories at her Lake Gaston home with her family and extended McNees family including seven grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren and six great great-grandchildren.

Devoted grandmother of Melanie (Steven) Forgas, Trey (Cynthia) Arnold, Jennifer (Keith) Marshall, Tracie (James) Vogel, Kristen (Mike) Lofrumento, Ashley (Jeffrey) Griffeth, and Roxanne Arnold; great-grandmother of Bethany Smith, Emilie Rhodes, Lauren Forgas, Brooke Marshall, Kaelie Richey, Alexis Arnold, Charlotte Griffeth, Savannah and Landon Lofrumento; great great-grandmother of Dalton and Grayson Smith.

Nellie retired from Richard’s Wine Cellars (Petersburg. Va.) after 25 years of service.  Nellie grew up in Dinwiddie County, Va.  She lived in Colonial Heights, Va. and after retiring made her home at Lake Gaston, Gasburg, Va.  Nellie enjoyed a wonderful life at Lake Gaston playing golf, Ladies Club activities, playing cards with friends and family, and participating in events at Pleasant Hill Christian Church.  Nellie enjoyed riding the jet ski and “pontooning” on the lake with family and friends.  She was an avid NASCAR fan rooting for her Darling Darrell Waltrip.  Nellie had numerous friends at Lake Gaston that she spent time with; whether just sitting, chatting, playing bridge or just going shopping.  They were all near and dear to her heart.

A funeral service will be held at  3:00 p.m. on Friday, July 14, 2023 at the Colonial Heights Chapel of the E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes & Crematory, 2033 Boulevard, Colonial Heights, VA. 23834, with the Reverend Greg Hand officiating. Interment will follow in Blandford Cemetery, Petersburg, Virginia 23803.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 2:00-3:00 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Online condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com