Richard Edward (Dick) Armstrong, a native of Fort Wayne, Ind. and 56-year resident of Mobile and Orange Beach, died Aug. 30, 2011. He was 85 years old.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Jeri Armstrong Williams; mother, Ruth Armstrong Miller; and father, Roy Armstrong.
Mr. Armstrong is survived by his wife of 63 years, Joanna (Jo) Armstrong; son, Rick (Beth) Armstrong, of Orange Beach; daughter, Jennifer Williams (Lance) Havard, of Mobile; daughter, Lori Williams McInvale, of Orange Beach; and grandchildren, Johnny Armstrong, Ricky Armstrong, Jeri Havard, Lance Havard Jr., Mia McInvale and Ava McInvale.
He was active in aviation all his life. He earned his Pilot License at age 16 and enlisted in the Army Air Force in 1943, World War II. After his discharge, he attended Spartan Aeronautical College, Xavier University and Indiana University. He held a Commercial Pilots License and was a pilot for South Alabama General Aviation.
He founded and was president of Modern Signs Inc until his son, Rick, became president and owner. After retiring to Orange Beach, he continued with Neon Signs, but mostly enjoyed living by the water and fishing. He was a member of Ancient Aviators and St Thomas by the Sea Catholic Church.
A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday Sept. 1, 2011, at Serenity Memorial Gardens in Mobile with a visitation from 9 a.m., until time of service at Serenity Funeral Home. Funeral service will be followed by a 2 p.m. Memorial Mass at St. Thomas by the Sea in Orange Beach.
The family suggests memorial contribution be given in Mr. Armstrong’s name to Little Sisters of the Poor, 1655 McGill Ave., Mobile, AL 36604.
Arrangements by Pine Rest Funeral Home.
