Wesley Adamson Armstrong Jr.

Wes was born in Buffalo, NY, on February 12, 1927 to Wesley Adamson Armstrong, Sr. and Ellen Hunt Armstrong. He was the second of two brothers. Wes grew up in Bristol, Rhode Island, and was educated at Tabor Academy and Nichols College. Wes served in the US Army Occupation Forces at the end of World War II.

Wes and his brother followed their father's love of sports, playing football, lacrosse, sailing, swimming, and skiing. Wes met his future wife, Barbara Sutcliffe, while both served in the Wedding Party of Wes' best friend. Wes and Barbara were married in 1951. They raised five children; Nancy, Ellen, Wesley III, Annie, and Douglas. The family lived in Ramsey, NJ, and then Fairfield, CT. Wes guided his children to encourage their love of sports.

Throughout his work career, Wes worked for major US corporations, beginning with Travelers Insurance Co. and then Sylvania Electric. His professional growth led to his long-term appointment as Director of Risk Management with General Dynamics, which built F16 and F111 fighter aircraft, L&G tankers, Abrams Tanks, and satellite launch vehicles. Wes' responsibilities as Director of Risk Management included visiting with Lloyds of London to negotiate marine and aircraft insurance, and meetings with NATO aircraft industries to review their safety management procedures, as well as directing his corporate staff in all aspects of insurance at General Dynamics. Wes ended his career as Director of Risk Management for Fairchild Industries.

Wes' wife Barbara, passed away in 1991 after a long illness. With the encouragement of long-time dear friends, Jim and Marie Stone, Wes moved to rural Virginia to be near them. He came to enjoy the Chesapeake Bay, making friends with the community who all attended the local Wicomico Episcopal Church. At the church, Wes met Loraine who had lost her husband to illness some years previously. At first becoming church friends, the relationship deepened, and Wes and Loraine were married in November 2000 at Wicomico Episcopal Church.

Wes and Loraine subsequently moved to Southport, North Carolina in 2004, and loved every aspect of living there, enjoying the climate, making new friends, and appreciating the truly Southern hospitality. They were also active in their new church, St. Philip's. Wes' five grown children living throughout the US visited during the summer, as did friends from Virginia and elsewhere.

Wes and Loraine had a joyful and loving marriage, and always thanked the Lord for bringing them together.

Wes is survived by his loving wife, Loraine; his loving children, Nancy, Ellen, Wesley 3rd, Annie, and Douglas; three grandchildren, Alexandra, Samantha, and Wesley; Sue Armstrong, widow of Dean Armstrong, Wes' brother; and many long-term friends.

A memorial service will he held at a date yet to be determined at St. Philip's Episcopal Church in Southport.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Wesley Armstrong may be made to; Shriners Hospital for Children, PO Box 1510, Ranson, WV, 25438 or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.peacocknewnamwhite.com for the Armstrong family.

Peacock - Newnam & White Funeral and Cremation Service, Southport, North Carolina.