Herbert Shouns Arnett

Published 12:27 pm Wednesday, April 23, 2025

Herbert (Herb) Shouns Arnett passed away April 19, 2025, at home in Knoxville, Tenn.

Herb was born July 24, 1930, in Carter County, Tenn. He was the 10th child of Petibone “P.B.” and Maude Williams Arnett.

Herb was also preceded in death by sister Hassie Arnett McKeehan and brothers Fred, Orville, Archie, John, Henry, Dewey, William (Bill) and Wayne Arnett.

Herb is survived by his wife of almost 50 years, Kathy Swartz Arnett; daughter, Laura Arnett-Smith Bailes, and Michael “Tucker” Bailes; bonus son, Jeffrey R. Smith; half-brother, Ned Arnett; half-sisters, Mary Belle, Linda and Bertha; and many nieces and nephews.

He graduated from Happy Valley High School in 1949 as an all-state basketball player and a member of the school’s Hall of Fame. After graduation, he joined the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict (1949-1952). Except for basic training, all of Herb’s duties were aboard ship — the USS Albemarle and the aircraft carrier USS Oriskany. Upon discharge, Herb entered East Tennessee State University and graduated with a B.S. degree after 12 straight quarters. Herb joined the Veterans Administration at Mountain Home, Tenn., in 1956 as a recreation therapist. He then served at nine different VA medical centers in addition to the VA Central Office in Washington, D.C. He retired as director of the Memphis VA Medical Center after 35 years of service.

Herb was a member and officer of many military and civic organizations, including Rotary, Civilian, Moose, Elk, NARFE, American Legion and a lifetime member of DAV. He loved University of Tennessee basketball, football, baseball and softball, gardening and caring for many dogs over his lifetime. Herb was a longtime member of Wallace Memorial Baptist Church and is in the arms of his Savior, Jesus Christ.

Visitation will be held Thursday, April 24, at 6 p.m. at Wallace Memorial Baptist Church, Knoxville, Tenn., with the funeral following at 7 p.m. with Pastor Kent Williams officiating. Herb will be laid to rest at the VA National Cemetery at Mountain Home with full military honors Friday, April 25, at 10 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to Wallace Memorial Baptist Church (We Are Wallace Campaign), 701 Merchant Drive, Knoxville, TN 37912, www.wallaceknox.com, or Gideons International at www.gideons.org/donate.