John Sullivan Arnel, 79, of Suffolk, died Thursday, Jan. 23, 2003, at Obici Hospital.

A native of Craven County, N.C., he was preceded in death by his wife, Florence Estelle Arnel, and his parents, Richard and Clara Jones Arnel.

He had retired as a self-employed mechanic. He was a member of Cypress Chapel Christian Church.

He is survived by a daughter, Mary Louise Clopper, and her husband Larry; three sons, Eddie Arnel, and his wife, Nancy Lynn Arnel, of Suffolk; Berbal Arnel, and his wife, Patricia, of Chesapeake; and Danny Arnel; six grandchildren; and eight great grandchildren.

The graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 27 in the Jones-Lassiter Family Cemetery on Skeeter Town Road. The Rev. John R. Kimball will conduct the service.

The family will welcome friends from 2 to 3 p.m. today in Parr Funeral Home, 447 W. Washington St., and other times at the residence of Eddie and Nancy Lynn Arnel at 132 Byrd St.

Parr Funeral Home is serving the family.