Arnett was born to the union of the late Rev. Arnett L. Gill, Sr., and the late Naomi Catherine (Jewell) Gill. Professing his love for Christ at an early age, his work for the Lord resonated throughout his life. This was evident to those with whom he shared his walk with Christ. Throughout his adult life, Arnett served the Lord in roles such as: Sunday School Superintendent, Lay Counselor, and as a member of the culinary board for the Monthly Men’s Worship Breakfast.
Growing up in Little Rock, AR, Arnett played on the Little Rock Parkview High School basketball team, where he lettered in 1976; and was a member of the marching band. He was also an avid member of the Little Rock Chapter of the NAACP.
Arnett matriculated through the University of Arkansas, Pine Bluff (UAPB), where he was Sophomore Class President (1977–1978), and editor of the college yearbook, The Lion. Arnett continued the family legacy of becoming a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.; Gamma Delta Chapter. Upon gaining a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science, Arnett relocated to Dallas, TX. In this area, he worked with Cigna Health Group and later launched his own business called Design Apparel.
Arnett’s business expanded from designing tee shirts and caps, to custom license plates, mugs, tumblers, decals, mouse pads, and other goods, as he built his brand in merchandising, sales, and marketing. Even though he catered to all clientele, his primary customer base was those searching for military paraphernalia. Because his motto was “Your Design, Your Way,” Arnett provided designs for Sew-Wright Embroidery (the secondary business). This gave the customer the option to design items and have them embroidered.
Arnett was well known and loved in the African American golf industry. Along with his friend and colleague, James Beatty, he devoted untiring hours to the African American Golf Expo (AAGE). Even after his illness, he served on the advisory board of the National Association of Black Golfers and Merchandisers (NABGM), and held the distinguished position of president. He also wrote articles for the African American Golfer’s Digest.
Celebrating his memory are his wife, Tabetha Wright Gill, Murfreesboro, TN; daughter, LaVita Y. Gill, Dallas, TX; two sisters, Gladys R. Gill Facen, DeSoto, TX, and Alicia A. Gill, Little Rock, AR; father-in-law, Bobby J. Wright, Louisville, KY; sisters-in-law, Helen D. Wright (James), Owensboro, KY, and Rita (Robert) Martin, Louisville, KY; brother-in-law, Bobby J. Wright Jr., Louisville, KY; childhood friend, Michael D. Mason, Little Rock, AR; dear friends, Virgil Hardaway, Murfreesboro, TN, and James Beatty, Omaha, NE; the men of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.; The Word Bible Church; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Visitation for Arnett Gill will be Thursday, June 25 from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. The funeral is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. CST at the Terrell Broady Funeral Home, located at 3855 Clarksville Pike, Nashville, TN 37218, Phone: (615) 244-4755.
The Interment will be at the Kentucky West Veterans Cemetery, 5817 Fort Campbell Blvd, Hopkinsville, KY 42240, Phone (270) 889-6106.
In lieu of flowers, cards and contributions can be sent to the National Association of Black Golf Merchandisers in memory of Arnett Gill who was the founding President. The address for the association is 5623 Willit, Omaha, NE 68152.
