Randall "Coach" Armstrong

Randall Armstrong, 79, passed away on September 2, 2026, at the home of his wife, Nancy, son, Scot, and daughter-in-law, Donna, in Athens, Georgia. A lifelong Mississippian, Randall spent his final years surrounded by family and friends who loved and respected him deeply.

Randall was born on February 7, 1947, the son of the late Ernest and Frances Armstrong. He was raised alongside his brothers and sister: David, Janice, Larry, and Barry. The bond of that big family stayed with him his entire life. A standout athlete, Randall starred for the Provine High School Rams before going on to play for the Mississippi State Bulldogs, where the discipline and drive he learned on the field would come to define everything he did afterward as a Coach and Leader of others.

Above all, Randall was a beloved husband to his wife of 59 years, Nancy Gentry Armstrong. Their love for each other and for God was always admired. Randall was a great father and grandfather, as well and is survived by his children, Scot Armstrong (Donna) and Shannon Fielder (Tim), and by his cherished grandchildren, Mary Caroline, Griffin, Anne Marie, Jack, Finn, and Hudson, who knew him simply as Papa. He is also survived by his sister, Janice Collins (Jenner) and his brothers, David Armstrong (Vicki), Larry Armstrong (Johnnie) and Barry Armstrong.

Those who knew him best remember Randall as a man who was never satisfied with the minimum. Faith and service were central to Randall’s life. He served as a deacon and church leader for many years, quietly and faithfully showing up for his congregation and community. He was also a devoted friend and a true patriarch to his family.

His family and friends considered him a best friend, a leader, and the one you could always count on.

Randall will be remembered as a hero to his family, a mentor to his players, a faithful servant to his church, and a friend who never did anything halfway.

Celebration of Life Weekend

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Randall’s life during a weekend of remembrance, September 18–19, 2026. Funeral Services to be held at Chancellor Funeral Home in Florence, MS.

• Friday, September 18 — Visitation, 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Central Time) at Chancellor Funeral Home in Florence, MS.

• Saturday, September 19 — Celebration of Randall Armstrong Funeral Service, 4:00 PM (Central Time) at Chancellor Funeral Home in Florence, MS. The service will be followed by the graveside service at Garden of Memories Cemetery.

Bernstein Funeral Home had charge of local arrangements.