William Arnold Hulsey

W. Arnold Hulsey, age 81, of Murrayville, Ga., passed away at home on February 11, 2013 due to complications from diabetes.

Arnold was born in Murrayville, Ga. on June 13, 1931 to William and Daisy Hulsey. He attended Gainesville High School where he was a member of the football team. He was invited to play in the Georgia Athletic Coaches Association's Annual North-South All-Star game in 1949 and received a grant-in-aid offer to play for the 1950 Georgia Bulldogs football team. He married Rexann Coker on May 24, 1950. He served in the United States Marine Corps and saw active military service in the Korean War as a sergeant. He was the casuality reporter for his company and was awarded several commendations for bravery. He received his Bachelor of Business Administration and Masters of Business Administration Degrees from North Georgia College. Arnold was the first male student of North Georgia College who was not required to participate in the military program and wear a uniform due to his prior service in the Korean War. He started work at North Georgia College as an accountant while still attending college. He rose to the position of Financial Aid Director where he served for 30 year until retirement. Arnold was always proud of the fact that through his office, thousands of students were able to reach their educational goals. He was active in The Georgia Association of Financial Aid Administrators where he held several offices. His Association peers honored Arnold with the Don Payton Award in 1991. Arnold was the first recipient of this award.
Arnold was a lifelong resident of Hall County. He served one term on the Hall County Board of Education. His joy was raising his cattle and working on his farm. He loved his family and was happy spending time with his grandchildren. His favorite pastime was watching sports on TV.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years Rexann Coker Hulsey, sons Steve Hulsey of Clermont and Stuart Hulsey (Lisa) of Lawrenceville and daughter Carolyn Simonton (Barty) of Lawrenceville; grandchildren Blake Hulsey (Stephanie) of Cleveland, Sydney Simonton (Justin Babb fiancée), Abby Hulsey and Emily Hulsey of Lawrenceville. Niece Teresa Smith (Scott) and Nephew Dwight Hurley, cousins Donna (Tilman) Kinney of Gainesville. In-Laws Dennis Coker, Barbara Hames (Bill) and Ralph Coker (Kathy). Special nieces and nephews Denise Farmer, Deidre Spivey (Kevin), Joe Ann Coker, Katherine Shaver (Chris), Melanie Hames, Delores Wilkerson, Mike Coker (Peggy), and Roger Farmer. He will be missed by his special beagle, Lucy.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Margie (Clinton) Hurley of Murrayville; brother-in-law Quillian (Elizabeth) Coker, sister-in-law Lanell (Herbert) Farmer, Carolyn Coker, Eleanor Coker, and Lea Coker.

Funeral Services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Friday February 15, 2013 at St. Paul United Methodist Church. The Rev. Calvin Haney will officiate. Interment will follow in Hopewell United Methodist Church Cemetery in Murrayville. The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m to 4:00 p.m and 6:00 p.m to 8:00 p.m Thursday at Ward's Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be made at wardsfh.com Ward's Funeral Home 758 Main Street S.W Gainesville in charge of arrangements.