Arnold Penland

Arnold Penland passed peacefully into the glorious life eternal on Saturday, May 23 after many months of illness. He was born in Asheville, N. C. on October 8, 1933, the son of Arnold Penland, Sr. and Pearl Bailey Penland. His younger years were spent in the Asheville area prior to attending college at Western Carolina University. During his high school years, he studied voice and piano and was active in the community theatre events. He earned multiple degrees: B.S., M.A., M.Ed., and Ph.D. from Western Carolina University, George Peabody College for Teachers, Duke University and Florida State University. These degrees were all in music and/or higher education. Highlights of the college summers included acting in summer stock in Cape Cod and continuing private voice lessons in N. Y. City. Arnold retired from the University of Florida as Professor of Music and Associate Dean Emeritus, College of Fine Arts in 2000. His career began as choral director in Reidsville, N. C. followed by Supervisor of Music, Raleigh, N.C. public schools. A federal grant took him to Peabody, Nashville, Tenn. then to the Smoky Mountain area of N.C. to direct the grant project. State Music Supervisor of S.C. brought him to Columbia then to the University of Florida as professor of music education in 1970. Participation in professional organization and community activities was a major part of his career. He was a member of the National Association of Academic Affairs Administrators, Phi Delta Kappa (former president) ACPA, The College Music Society and others. He was Former VP for Foundation for the Promotion of Music in Gainesville; Charter member and instrumental in the founding of the Gainesville Civic Chorus; former member of the Gainesville Cultural Commission, former VP Alachua County Arts Council and others. His numerous awards included: Outstanding Service Award, AcAfAd, 2000; The President's Medallion, University of Florida, for distinguished service, 2000; Mort Wolfson Faculty Award, UF Student Affairs, 1995; Order of Omega Award, Sig Ep, 1993. He was a distinguished member of National Arts Associate of Sigma Alpha Iota. As president of Gator City Kiwanis, he was Distinguished Kiwanian of the year and Special Service Award. He was an active member of First Presbyterian Church, serving on many committees and as a dedicated choir member in addition to being an elder. He loved singing, gardening, reading, collecting cookbooks, creating gourmet meals, spending time at the beach and eating oysters by the dozen. Arnold is survived by wife, Joan Eudy Penland; daughter Marcia Schingel (David) of Crystal Lake, Il.; daughter Beth Causey (John) of Charlotte, N.C.; and four grandchildren, Luke and Matthew Schingel, and Jamison and Andrew Causey. Arnold had one sister, Nancy Rose (Tommy); nephew Bruce Abbott, and niece Karen Austin, all of Hendersonville, N.C. A Celebration of Life service will be held Friday, May 29 at 11:00 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, Gainesville, with Dr. Robert Shettler officiating. The family will receive friends in Gordon Hall at 10:00 a.m. (prior to the service). In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to First Presbyterian Church, c/o Music Ministries,106 SW Third St. Gainesville, Fl. 32601.

Arnold Penland

October 8, 1933 - May 23, 2015