1925 – 2004

Married: Elsie Hall – October 1949

Children: Marsha Johnston, Melinda Arnett, Mark Arnett

2 Grandchildren

Melvin H. Arnett was born on the family farm in Athens, TN. He was the youngest of ten children. His parents both died in 1936. After their death, he lived with a brother and sister until he went to college.

He attended TPI which in now Tennessee Tech University in Cookeville, TN. He milked cows and delivered milk to help pay tuition. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1948. Later in his career, he earned a Master of Science Degree from the University of Tennessee in 1973.

Upon graduation from TPI, Mr. Arnett accepted a job with Carnation Milk Co. in Tupelo Mississippi. In 1950 he was transferred to Watertown, TN. While there he expressed interest in working with 4-H youth as an Assistant County Agent and asked to be considered for the job if the position was funded by Wilson County. First he served two years as Asst. County Agent in Wayne County. Then was hired December 18, 1954 as Asst. County Agent and moved his family to Lebanon. In 1973, Mr. Arnett was promoted to the position of County Agent for Wilson County. He served in this capacity until 1979 when he was appointed as District Supervisor over twenty-two counties is Middle TN. He retired from U.T.Extension Service in 1989.

During his career, he was the recipient of the U.T. Extension Distinguished Service Award. He was chairman of the National 4-H Talent Review. In 2003 the Education Bldg. at the James Ward Agricultural Center was named in his honor. He was a member of the Kiwanis Club, serving one term as president. He was involved with the Farm Bureau. He was an active member of First Baptist Church and a 32nd Degree Mason. Upon his retirement from Extension, he was given the honor of serving as Community Coordinator at Wilson Bank & Trust. He was instrumental in organizing the WB&T’s Solid Gold Club for seniors which now boast a total of 6900 members.