Raymond Wilson Armstrong

Raymond Wilson Armstrong, 80, passed away on October 22, 2023 at Caromont Regional Medical Center in Gastonia.  He was born August 8,1943 to Malvin and Sue (Swangim) Armstrong, and upon Sue’s death that day, was adopted by Clyde and Mae Armstrong, Clyde being Malvin’s brother, and Sue being Mae’s sister.  

Mr. Armstrong, also known as Mouse or Mousie by friends and relatives, graduated from Stanley High School in 1961.  He worked at Eastern Airlines for many years.  Upon his retirement he continued to work, first at a local marina and later for his brother, Reid Armstrong, at his trucking company, Holland International.  Raymond also served in the Army National Guard for six years.  

As a child Mr. Armstrong attended The First Baptist Church in Stanley.  He also played baseball. Mr. Armstrong acknowledged that “some of my fondest memories were playing baseball sponsored through the Town of Stanley Recreation Department in my youth.”  As an adult, Mr. Armstrong was an avid outdoorsman.  He enjoyed hunting, particularly at the old homeplace where his grandparents had lived.  Fishing was his other great love.  He worked tirelessly at his home on Lake Norman where his family gathered for happy occasions. He was an avid fan of  Duke University sports, R.O.’s Barbeque, and Tony’s Ice Cream. 

Mr. Armstrong is preceded in death by his biological parents Malvin and Sue Armstrong and his adoptive parents, Clyde and Mae Armstrong; his siblings Louis Armstrong, Nancy Barnette, Doris Elliot, Jeanette Hilton, Reid Armstrong, Joyce Stephenson, and Larry Armstrong.  He is survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

A celebration of his life will be held at Woodlawn Funeral Home in Mount Holly, North Carolina on Thursday, October 26.  The family will receive friends from 1:00 - 2:00 PM, with a brief service to begin at 2:00 PM. Following the service, we invite family and friends to gather at the old homeplace, 1500 Alexis Lucia Rd. Stanley, NC, from 3:00 - 5:00 PM.  The R.O.’s Barbeque Food Truck will cater the celebration.  Raymond’s ashes will be scattered there per his request.  Please bring a lawn chair. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Alzheimer's Association, P.O. Box 96011,

Washington, DC 20090-601, or to The American Lung Association at lung.org.

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