JOHNSON-OVERTURF FUNERAL HOME         
307 South Palm Avenue
Palatka, Florida


Arnold Lee Choate, 72, of Palatka, passed away on Tuesday, July 2, 2019. Born in Columbus, Ohio to Isaiah Choate and Virginia Dunson Choate, Arnold was raised in Bunnell and graduated from Bunnell High School in 1964. He had worked several years in the craft paper division at Hudson Pulp & Paper Company. He later worked in stucco in the construction industry and as a painter. Despite losing his left hand in an industrial accident, Arnold developed an amazing talent in making hand-made cast nets by himself. In addition to his love of fishing, Arnold also enjoyed riding motorcycles and competing in pool tournaments.

He was preceded in death by his parents and 2 brothers, William Henry Akins and Donald E. Akins. 

Arnold is survived by 2 sons, Wade A. Choate of Kissimmee and Troy L. Choate of Bardin, a daughter, Wendy A. Choate White of Palatka, brothers and sisters, Sara Salyerds (Alvin) of Bunnell, George W. “Beepa” Akins, Jr. of Palatka, Debra J. Casey of Palatka and Robert M. “Cobb” Akins (Debbie) of East Palatka, 7 grandchildren, W. Royce White, Sydnie M. White, Rainlen Garrett Morrell (Jenn), Trenton Choate, Macie Choate, Tray Choate and Megan Choate, a great-grandson, Tyson X. White and numerous nieces and nephews.

Services will be at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, July 13, 2019 at Johnson-Overturf Chapel in Palatka with Chaplain Ricky Bybee officiating. Burial will be in Palatka Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends Saturday from 10:00 A.M. until the time of services at 11:00 A.M. All friends and family are welcome.

Thank you to Guynelle “Gigi” Phiel for all her dedication to my father (Arnold) in the last months of his life. – Wendy.

Arrangements are entrusted to Johnson-Overturf Funeral Home in Palatka.