Ben Hall Arnette Sr., age 86, of Murfreesboro, passed away on Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013 at Middle Tennessee Medical Center.

He was a native and lifelong resident of Rutherford County and owner of Arnette Excavating. Ben worked for the City of Murfreesboro Water Department and retired from Consolidated Utility Water District. He was a member of the Bellwood Church of Christ.
 
Ben was preceded in death by his parents, James Leslie Arnette and Frances Elizabeth Dismukes Arnette; son, Ben H. Arnette Jr.; brother, James Ellis Arnette; sisters, Jessie Belle (Cheathum) Mann, Frances Pauline Arnette, Margaret Jay (Cecil) Rogers, Miriam Christine (J.D.) Woodson, Alline Lyons, and Ruth (Tom) Avaritt. He is survived by his wife, Betty Jean Robinson Arnette of Murfreesboro; daughter, Debbie (Sam) Collins of Murfreesboro; sons, Steve (Kathy) Westbrooks and Alan (Lib) Westbrooks; grandchildren, Benjamin Arnette of Dickson, Tenn., David Arnette of Dickson, Tenn., Stevie (Hugo) Sanchez of Murfreesboro, Amber Polston of Murfreesboro, Jeff McAlpin of Bellvue, Tenn., and Brett McAlpin of North Dakota; sister-in-law, Rachel Arnette; daughter-in-law, Sherrie Arnette; 15 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews that loved him very much.
 
Chapel service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 16, 2013 at Jennings and Ayers Chapel with Nathan Wright, Tony Holt and Joe Elliott officiating. Burial will follow at Dilton Cemetery with family and friends serving as pallbearers.
 
Visitation will be held on Friday, Feb. 15, 2013 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Jennings & Ayers Funeral Home; 820 South Church St., Murfreesboro, TN 37130. 615-893-2422. Please leave condolences at www.jenningsandayers.com
 
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bellwood Church of Christ.