Arnold Jay Quesenberry

There was dancing, rejoicing, and shouting in heaven on Wednesday, July 1, 2015, when Arnold Jay Quesenberry, age 83, of Christiansburg, moved into the mansion he’s been so longing for. With his best friend and wife Nancy and special friends by his bedside, he passed away peacefully after a long and debilitating battle with Parkinson’s.

Arnold was a member of Harbor of Hope Church and was one of many dedicated servants who help build and begin Pilot Pentecostal Holiness Church, now known as Abundant Life Fellowship. He was always ready to give to meet the needs of the church, family, and friends. His closest friends joked about him “unknowingly” paying for people’s lunches and the extra “unknown” offerings he’d put in the collection plate. Arnold enjoyed being around God’s people and loved joking, laughing, telling stories and having a good time. He particularly enjoyed trips with Nancy and friends to the beach, the Gospel Quartet Convention and The Smokies.

Until his health declined, he rarely missed a camp meeting service and when service was about to start at camp meeting, he’d be the first one waving his arms and praising the Lord. He was not ashamed of his Lord and wanted to tell the world what a Savior he had.

Arnold worked most of his life at Corning Glass and in his later years at Federal Mogul. He leaves behind friends from all over the U.S. and abroad.

Arnold was preceded in death by his mother and father, Tida Phillips Quesenberry and Charley Jay Quesenberry; a sister, Willodene Quesenberry Simpkins; and a brother, Robert Quesenberry.
Surviving are his wife, caregiver and best friend, Nancy Horton Quesenberry; sister and brother-in-law, Frances and Bob Scaggs of Millington, TN; brother and sister-in-law, Phil and Barbara Quesenberry of Elkin, NC; sisters-in-law, Cassie Quesenberry of Blacksburg, VA, and Sally Dennis and husband Chuck of Radford, VA; aunt and uncle, Helen Cox and husband Elza of Lexington, NC; step-sons and their wives, Jeff Wimmer and wife Beverly of Christiansburg, VA, Scott Wimmer and wife Lyn of Riner, VA; step-grandchildren, Adam, Sarah, and Brian Wimmer, Taylor Radford, Aaron Altizer, Ashley Silva, and Chase Chamberlain; several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends; as well as his brothers and sisters in the Lord.

Arnold was a father figure to some who did not have their biological father in their lives and took great care in ministering to their needs and showing compassion and love. He leaves behind his special daughter, Rhonda Whittaker who loved and respected him with all her heart.

The family wishes to thank Carilion Hospice, Dr. Badillio, his staff and all the people who gently cared for Arnold in the past few weeks. A special thanks to Norma Cole who helped in so many different ways. In addition to her helping care for Arnold, she was a strong foundation and support for Nancy.

The family will receive friends on Friday, July 3, 2015, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. at the Harbor of Hope Pentecostal Holiness Church, 2720 Roanoke Street, Christiansburg. The Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 p.m., with Rev. Kenneth Kingrea, Rev. Richard Kingrea, and Rev. Leon Alley officiating. Interment will follow in Roselawn Memorial Gardens, Christiansburg.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Harbor of Hope Building Fund.