Arnold Edward Dalton

Arnold Edward Dalton, 76, of Morganton, NC, peacefully joined his Lord and Savior on Friday, December 12, 2025.

Born in Cleveland County, NC on April 27, 1949, he was the son of the late Oneil Oliver Dalton and Pauline Smith Dalton.

Arnold was a veteran of the NC National Guard and a member of Nowlings Chapel Freewill Baptist Church. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He enjoyed the outdoors and camping, and he enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He loved the Tarheels and NASCAR, and he never missed a Carolina game.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 54 years, Theresa Bowen Dalton; daughter, Angela Dalton Henlsey (Darvy); grandchildren, Jacob Hensley (Jordan) and Jessica Hensley Smith (Dylan); great-grandchildren, Madelyn Smith, Jedediah Hensley, Greyson Smith, Stella Henlsey, Lily Smith, and Gideon Hensley; sisters, Marilyn Dalton Lambert (Darrell) and Carol Dalton Malcolm (Darel); and sister-in-law, Terry Smith.

The family will receive friends from 3 to 4 p.m., Thursday, December 18, 2025 at Nowlings Chapel Freewill Baptist Church. The funeral will be held at 4 p.m. in the church with Rev. Darvy Hensley, Rev. Dylan Smith, and Mr. Jacob Henlsey officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military honors provided by the NC National Guard.

In honor of Arnold’s great-grandchildren, memorial contributions may be made to the Nowlings Chapel Youth Group, PO Box 3083, Morganton, NC 28680.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.