He was born in Millry, Alabama and lived in Statesboro since 1985. He enjoyed living in Statesboro and being a part of the Bulloch County community.
Dick obtained bachelor's and master's degrees from Auburn University and a doctorate from Columbia University in New York.
After graduating from Auburn as the top ROTC graduate, Dick was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Army where he served in Korea. He retired after thirty years in the Army Reserves as a colonel. His military career was very important to him and he considered it an honor to have served his country.
Before coming to Georgia Southern University in 1985, where he served as Vice President for Business and Finance, Dick worked as Assistant Dean of Students at Clemson University, Director of Housing at the University of Georgia, and a vice chancellor at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. Throughout his career, he held many professional positions on the state, regional, and national levels. He relished his work in higher education and served each institution with honesty and integrity.
After his retirement in 1997 from Georgia Southern University, Dick obtained a real estate license and became an agent serving Statesboro and Bulloch County. He enjoyed his association with his many clients and colleagues.
Dick was a faithful member of several Baptist and Methodist churches over the years, serving in many capacities. His latest membership was with Statesboro First United Methodist Church. He was a member and former teacher of the Dan Williams Sunday School Class.
Dick endeared himself to his family and friends. He was beloved as a husband, father and grandfather. He instilled in his children to lead by example, to practice what you preach, to work hard, to make decisions carefully, and above all, to be kind and sincere. His ability to easily form a bond with even a casual acquaintance will always be cherished.
He is predeceased by his parents John Sidney and Sara Crump Armstrong, a sister, Mae Scarbrough, and a brother, Jimmy Armstrong.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Marinell H. Armstrong; daughter, Sydna A. Davidson and husband Bo of Statesboro; son, Dr. Richard W. Armstrong and wife Kristin of Hinesburg, Vermont; two grandchildren, Josiah Williams and Sara Williams; sisters, Eva Rigney and husband Douglas of Birmingham, Alabama, and Margaret Hartley and husband Harold of Millry, Alabama; a brother, John H. Armstrong and wife Glenda also of Millry; brother-in-law, Bob Henderson and wife Carol of Louisville, Georgia; sister-in-law, Gwen Poppell and husband William of Evans, Georgia, and numerous nieces and nephews.
A gathering of family and friends will be held Thursday, May 31st at 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. at Statesboro First United Methodist Church followed by the funeral service at 11:30 a.m. with the Reverend Jimmy Cason officiating. Interment, with military honors, will be on Friday, June 1st at 11:00 a.m. in the Louisville City Cemetery in Louisville, Georgia.
Pallbearers will be Frank Hook, Robert Tanner, Harry Carter, Doug Collins, Carl Gooding, and Al Burke. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Dan Williams Sunday School Class.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Statesboro First United Methodist Church, 101 South Main Street, P.O. Box 2048, Statesboro, Georgia, 30459; or Ogeechee Area Hospice, P.O. Box 531 Statesboro, GA, 30459.
Please visit our online memorial at www.hodgesmoore.com to sign the guest book and share fond memories with the Armstrong family.
Hodges-Moore Funeral Home is in charge of funeral arrangements.
