Robert “Bobby Joe” J. Armstrong, 90, of Moyers passed away Feb. 2, 2024, at Harrisonburg Health and Rehabilitation Center in Harrisonburg, Virginia.
Mr. Armstrong, or “Bobby Joe” as he was commonly known, was born July 15, 1933, in Moyers.
He was a graduate of Franklin High School, where he excelled as an athlete and was a standout running back on the school’s varsity football team. Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army, and was stationed in France before his discharge from service in 1956. Soon thereafter he married Juanita Anne Jones.
He was raised in and held membership with the former St. Paul Lutheran Church, held membership with St. John Lutheran Church, and attended Doe Hill United Methodist Church prior to his wife’s passing. He was also a former member of the Stonewall Ruritan Club, the Treasure Mountain Swingers Square Dancers, and at one point served on the Pendleton County School Board.
On the family farm, he raised beef cattle and had a large flock of ewes; he tended to both with great pride. Additionally, he had retired from the Pendleton County Public School System as a bus driver.
Amongst his countless qualities, he was known as a man of good humor, strong work ethic, and selfless nature – always willing to lend a hand to his neighbors and friends. He was also a very caring person toward his family and community, and carried a special place in his heart for his dogs. He enjoyed time spent participating in the local bowling league, cooking holiday meals for his family (and less formal meals at the family hunt camp), as well as fishing and going on fishing trips. However, he enjoyed none of these activities greater than the time he spent with his grandchildren.
Above all else, Mr. Armstrong will be remembered as a diligent provider and loving husband, father, and grandfather to his family.
His wife, Juanita Anne Jones Armstrong, passed on July 6, 1996.
Surviving family members include his sons, Barry Armstrong and companion, Lisa Zirkle of Quicksburg, Virginia, and Craig Armstrong and wife, Elizabeth of Harrisonburg, Virginia; grandchildren, Nicole Vickery of Clemson, South Carolina, Justin Armstrong of Moyers, Bronson Armstrong of Franklin and Elijah Armstrong of Sugar Grove; a sister, Doris Douglas of Staunton, Virginia; a brother-in-law, Tom Jones of Doe Hill, Virginia; and nephews, David Douglas of Weyers Cave, Virginia, and Victor Douglas of Staunton, Virginia.
He was also preceded in death by his mother, Myrtle Armstrong; and grandson, Wyatt Dane Armstrong.
A funeral service was held Wednesday at Obaugh Funeral Home in McDowell, Virginia, with Rev. Jerry Smith officiating. Burial followed in St. Paul Independent Lutheran Church Cemetery.
Active pallbearers were grandsons, Justin, Bronson, and Elijah Armstrong, as well as Tom Jones, Tom Wimer, and Joe Campanella.
Memorial donations may be sent to St. Paul Cemetery Association, c/o Joeann Moyers, 1685 Doe Hill Road, Sugar Grove, WV 26815.
Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.obaughfuneralhome.com.
