TX HR806

Former State Representative Billy Len Arnold of Grand Prairie passed away on November 27, 2023, at age 97

Served three terms in the Texas House of Representatives (1986-1993) representing House District 106, serving on committees including Elections, Public Safety, Public Education, and as vice chair of the Public Safety Committee during the 71st and 72nd Legislatures

Career educator in Grand Prairie ISD from 1954 until retirement in 1986 as deputy superintendent; served as president of the Texas Association of School Business Officials

U.S. Navy veteran who served aboard the U.S.S. Columbia in the South Pacific during World War II; earned bachelor's and master's degrees in education from East Texas State Teachers College

Grand Prairie ISD named Bill Arnold Middle School in his honor in 2002; also served as president of the Grand Prairie Chamber of Commerce and Grand Prairie Rotary Club, and was named Citizen of the Year