Joe Arrington

Joe Arrington, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and educator, passed away on April 27, 2026, at the age of 69. Visitation will be from 5:00pm to 7:00pm on Thursday, April 30, at the Oakcrest Funeral Home. Services will be 10:00am, Friday, May 1, at First Baptist Church Woodway.

Born on November 8, 1956, in Nacogdoches, Texas, to James Allen Arrington and Mary "Tene" Arrington, Joe grew up with a natural curiosity and a gift for words that would shape the course of his life. Joe graduated from Garrison High School in 1975 and went on to attend Stephen F. Austin State University on a debate scholarship — an early signal of the passion for communication and learning that would define his career. He earned his bachelor's degree from SFA in 1979, then continued his education at Baylor University, where he graduated in 1985 after studying Gerontology and Computer Science as a Master’s student.

In January 1983, Joe married the love of his life, Bonnie Halsell Arrington. Together they built a home in Waco, Texas, where they raised their sons, Allen and Michael. Joe loved being a dad. It was a role he embraced wholeheartedly. He was present, engaged, and intentional, giving his sons his undivided attention and making them feel known and loved. Allen and Michael were not just his children; they were among his proudest achievements.

Joe was deeply invested in his Life Group at First Baptist Church Woodway, where he formed bonds that went far beyond Sunday mornings — studying, sharing, and walking through life alongside people he counted as dear friends. His faith grounded and shaped the kind of husband, father, teacher, and neighbor he strived to be.

Joe began his teaching career at McLennan Community College in August 1989, where he taught Long-Term Care Administration for seventeen years before becoming Division Chair of Human Services & Education. For nearly four decades, he was an instructor, a mentor, an encourager, and a steady presence who believed deeply in the power of education to change lives. Colleagues and students alike knew him as someone who gave generously of his time and took genuine pride in watching others grow. He remained at MCC until his passing, a testament to how much he loved the work and the people it brought into his life.

Joe is survived by his beloved wife, Bonnie; his mother-in-law, Linda Mount; his sons, Allen Arrington and Michael Arrington; his daughters-in-law, Jessica Arrington and Maia Cole; and his grandchildren, Joel, Noah, and Andilynn Arrington, who were his greatest joys. He is also survived by the many students, colleagues, friends, and extended family whose lives he touched in ways they will carry forward always.

He leaves behind a legacy in the countless lives made richer for having known him.