Spence McFall Armstrong

Known fondly as “Mac” in childhood and “Sam” throughout his adult life, he was born in Columbia, Tenn., on March 13, 1934, to Willis Frierson Armstrong and Annie Barton Armstrong (McFall). The second of five children, he grew up on a farm where he loved working the fields, exploring the woods, and hunting. After graduating from Hay Long High School in 1951 and spending a year at Vanderbilt University, he received an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy. He graduated with the 6th Company in 1956 and accepted a commission in the United States Air Force through a voluntary cross-commission program helping to build the new service. He earned his pilot wings at Greenville Air Force Base, Miss., one year later.

Sam’s first assignment took him to Myrtle Beach AFB, S.C., where he met Elizabeth “Beth” Arnold Webb. After a whirlwind romance, they married on October 8, 1960, beginning a 65-year partnership and welcoming two children: daughter, Elizabeth “Lisa” Barton Armstrong, and son, Edward Livingston Armstrong III.

During his distinguished 34-year Air Force career, Sam logged more than 4,500 flying hours in 50 different aircraft and held command assignments at five levels. Selected for the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School in 1964, he later served as a flight commander at Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, where he flew 100 combat missions in the F-105 during the Vietnam War. He returned to Edwards AFB, Calif., as a flight instructor at Test Pilot School before attending Air War College in 1971.

Sam went on to hold multiple training commands in Texas, including at Randolph AFB and Sheppard AFB, where, as Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Air Training Command, he oversaw pilot, navigator, and survival training for the entire Air Force. During this period, the first instrument simulators were introduced and the first classes of women entered flight training. He later served at USAF headquarters in Washington, D.C., as a Deputy Director before returning to Texas to command the Air Force Military Training Center in San Antonio, responsible for training more than 75,000 new Air Force recruits each year.

In 1983, during the Iran–Iraq War, Sam became Chief of the Joint U.S. Military Training Mission in Saudi Arabia, advising Saudi forces and overseeing more than 400 U.S. personnel across seven sites—the largest American mission of its kind at the time. Following this assignment, he was promoted to lieutenant general and served as vice commander of Air Force Systems Command at Andrews AFB, Md., where he culminated his Air Force career before retiring in April 1990.

For the next 12 years, Sam continued his service to his country at NASA as a senior executive, proudly directing the agency’s efforts to expand partnerships with universities and the industry.

Sam was a lifelong learner, returning to academia throughout his career. He earned master’s degrees in aeronautical engineering and instrumentation engineering from the University of Michigan in 1963, completed the Advanced Management Program at Columbia University and the Senior Managers in Government Program at Harvard University, and received an Honorary Doctor of Laws from the University of Akron in 1987.

In retirement, Sam filled his days gardening, tinkering, golfing, reading, and traveling throughout Europe with Beth and his U.S. Naval Academy classmates. He was a devoted member and leader at Heritage Presbyterian Church in Alexandria and a faithful Navy Football fan who never missed a home tailgate. His most cherished role of all, however, was being “Papa” to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, for whom he remained an active, loving presence until his very last days. His wit, wisdom, captivating storytelling, and gentle spirit will be forever treasured. He lived a full life defined by courage, love of country, deep devotion to family, and an unwavering faith in Jesus—which assures us we will see him again.

Sam was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Edward Livingston Armstrong II, and his sister Mary Huston Armstrong McLendon. He is survived by his wife Elizabeth “Beth” Webb Armstrong; daughter Lisa Blessing (Jeffrey); son Edward Armstrong (Tracey); grandchildren Anne Blessing Tenney (Aaron), Catherine Blessing, James Blessing (Erin), Niki Armstrong, and Reagan Armstrong; and great-grandchildren Will, Walker, Cecelia, and Carabeth Tenney. He also leaves behind his loving siblings Shine Armstrong and Adaline Pasour (Zeke), along with a large extended family, dear friends, and devoted caregivers at The Fairfax of Belvoir Woods.

A memorial service will be held Tuesday, December 9 at 2 p.m. at The Fairfax of Belvoir Woods, 9100 Belvoir Woods Parkway, Fairfax, Va., with interment with military honors to be scheduled at Arlington National Cemetery in 2026.