Willie Lawrence Armstrong

ROCKY MOUNT – Willie Lawrence Armstrong, age 88, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 28, 2023. Born in Nash County, NC on October 31, 1934, he was the son of the late Joshua Lawrence Armstrong and Eula Shearin Armstrong. He was also preceded in death by his sisters, Ruby Davis and Margaret Edwards; his brothers, Rev. Lonnie R. Armstrong and Leon Armstrong; his nephew, Dan Armstrong. Willie graduated from Red Oak High School which he always referred to as “The University of Red Oak.” A veteran of the United States Army, he was stationed in Germany during the Cold War and was a member of The American Legion Post 110 following his honorable discharge. After returning home from Germany, Willie went to work for Burlington Industries. After thirty years, he retired from the North Carolina Department of Corrections. Willie was a man of great faith and an active member of Avalon Baptist Church for many years. He served in many capacities such as deacon chair, Sunday school teacher, and sang in the choir. Willie was a kind, tender-hearted man who loved his family, Church family, and friends. Willie is survived by his wife of 59 years, Sharon Blaylock Armstrong; and his son, Lawrence Alan Armstrong of Rocky Mount. A Celebration of Willie’s Life will be held on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at 1:00 PM in the Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Rev. Joe Price officiating. Visitation with the family will be from 12:00 PM to 12:45 PM prior to the service and following the service until 2:30 PM, both in the Atrium of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Willie’s memory to Avalon Baptist Church, P.O. Box 910, Battleboro, NC 27809. Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.