William Joseph Armstrong

Born in Missouri, Joe was raised in Lexington, Kentucky, which remained home in his heart throughout his life. He was a devoted University of Kentucky basketball fan and loved sharing stories of watching the Wildcats as a child, when a quarter could buy him a spot in the aisle.

Joe loved all things Kentucky—especially UK basketball, a good produce stand, and Kentucky bourbon. He took great pride in the Kentucky tradition of bourbon and enjoyed a good bottle, good conversation, and sharing both with the people he loved.

Joe graduated from Eastern Kentucky University, where he met Paula Kriel Armstrong, the love of his life. They married and shared 56 wonderful years together, building a life filled with family, laughter, travel, fishing, and adventure. Together, they raised their daughters, Lara Armstrong and Leslie Armstrong.

Joe found joy in the simple things: a road trip, a mountain drive, a favorite treat, a roadside produce stand, or a good fishing spot. When Lara began playing basketball, he became affectionately known as the “Bubble Gum Man,” handing out bubble gum to kids and parents alike. He never met a stranger and welcomed his daughters’ friends as his own, always making people feel included and at home.

Fishing was one of Joe’s greatest passions. From quiet backwoods streams to offshore waters, his boat was always ready and his rods and reels were always set. He truly believed there was no such thing as a bad day on the water, and he passed his love of fishing along to his daughters, creating memories they will treasure forever.

Later in life, Joe and Paula enjoyed snowbirding in Naples, Florida, where he embraced the warm weather, outdoors, and plentiful fishing. Eventually, Joe returned to Greenville to be closer to Lara and Leslie. Some of his happiest days were spent on daddy-daughter adventures— picking up his favorite treats, taking drives through the mountains, and simply enjoying time together.

Joe was a devoted and engaged father who showed up, listened, encouraged, and took tremendous pride in his daughters. But through every chapter of his life, Paula remained at the center of his world.

For 56 years, Paula was his wife, best friend, partner, and great love. Joe was happiest simply having her beside him. Until the very end, he believed Paula was the most beautiful and loving person in the world and never stopped letting her know how much he loved and cherished her. Their life together was a beautiful testament to a love that only grew deeper with time.

Joe will be remembered for his Kentucky pride, his Wildcats, his love of Kentucky bourbon, fishing, road trips, mountain drives, produce stands, bubble gum, and, above all, the way he loved people. He made people feel welcome, included, and part of the family.

Joe was preceded in death by his mother, Dorothy Armstrong; his aunt and uncle, Henrietta and Raymond Harris; and his grandparents, Herman C. and Elizabeth L. Hicks, all of Lexington, Kentucky, as well as many other beloved family members and friends. The family finds comfort in imagining that those who went before him were waiting to welcome him home Friday morning.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Paula Kriel Armstrong; daughters Lara Armstrong and Leslie Armstrong; the Kriel family and their families, including Wayne & Kim, Mark, Bryan and Lisa; and countless friends and loved ones who were fortunate enough to know him.

A private graveside service will be held at Lexington Cemetery in Lexington, Kentucky, at a later date. A celebration of Joe’s life is being planned in Greenville, South Carolina, with details to be shared once finalized.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, an organization close to the family’s heart.

Joe leaves behind a lifetime of stories, laughter, adventures, and love. His Kentucky stories will be told, his fishing memories will be shared, and his favorite bourbon will be raised in his honor.

And Paula will forever carry the love story they built together.

He was deeply loved. He knew it. And he spent 81 years giving that love right back.