Henry Eugene Armstrong's Obituary
Armstrong, Henry Eugene, 84, passed away on January 29th. He was born in Jacksonville, Florida to John and Virginia “Virgie” Armstrong. He attended Robert E. Lee High School, received his B.A. and Masters from the University of Florida and did graduate work at Duke University. Henry served in the U.S. Army as a Correspondent with the Korean Military Advisory Group (KMAG), earning Commendation for Meritorious Achievement. On December 14th, 1957, he married Virginia “Ginny” Parker, they moved to Sylvania Ohio and had 4 children; Becky, Mike, Sharon and Lynn. For all of his life Henry was passionate about education and devoted most of his career working for World Book Encyclopedias. He was elected to the Sylvania School Board in 1971 and became President in 1975.
Henry always remained active in the community and was not afraid to lead a cause he believed in (including writing letters to presidents to recommend policy changes). In 1976, he and Ginny moved to Orlando, retired from World Book and started several of their own real estate based businesses where Henry continued to pursue his passion for sales. A competitive Sailor as well, Henry took extensive Power Squadron courses and he and Ginny sailed their boat from Florida to the Abaco Islands in 1985. They loved travel and upon retirement built a home near the Blue Ridge Parkway in Linville, North Carolina where they played tennis, fished and hiked with family and friends. Most of all, Henry loved meeting new people, politics, studying philosophy and was an “over the top” Gator fan. More than likely, one of his greatest regrets was raising Seminoles instead of Gators. Always proud and true to his Heritage, Henry eventually settled in St. Augustine, returning to where his family traced back to the days of the original Spanish settlers. He studied German as he continued to take various college level courses at University of North Florida well into his 70's. Ultimately, he is best described as a “character” by everyone he came in contact with. During his later years, he was well cared for by the community of John Knox Village in Orange City, FL.
He is survived by his son Mike (Wendy Trimarco) of Miami, daughter Sharon (Greg Smith) of Longwood, daughter Lynn (Bill Strickland) of St. Augustine, son in law Larry Wold of Freeport Maine; 8 Grandchildren Alex (Courtney), Brian, Lindsay, Eric, Kendall, Jake, Taylor and Skyler; sister in law, Annette and “best buddy”, Bill Menosky. He is preceded in death by his wife, Virginia Parker Armstrong; daughter, Becky Wold; brother, John Armstrong, sister, Alicia Ransom and Aunt Alice Elkins. Arrangements handled by Baldauff Family Funeral Home, 1233 Saxon Blvd., Orange City, FL. 32763. (386) 775-0590.In lieu of flowers, please send donations to; www.uff.ufl.edu/Appeals/Armstrong. Your contribution will go to families with incomes of $40,000 or less; students to be first in family to attend college.
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