Ralph Armstrong

Ralph Armstrong, 87, of Delaware Ave., Asheville, died on Wednesday, September 1, 2010, at his residence. A native of Belmont, NC, Mr. Armstrong was a son of the late Ralph Martin Armstrong, Sr. and Louise Gaston Armstrong. He was also preceded in death by his first wife, Sara Lee O'Daniel Armstrong. Mr. Armstrong was a graduate of Belmont Abbey. He was also a veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving in the Pacific Theater during WWII. He completed his studies and graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill following the war. He worked for American Enka for 27 years and for the N.C. Dept. of Natural Resources for 12 years as a chemist. He also enjoyed almost 20 years volunteering at Mission Hospitals. He is survived by his wife, Eloise Young Armstrong; daughter, Shirley Armstrong, of Asheville; son, Rev. Martin Armstrong, III, of Snow Hill, NC; step-daughters, Debbie and Charlene Plemmons, both of Mars Hill; sisters, Betty J. Armstrong, and Eloise A. Buthe, both of Belmont; four grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and four step-great-grandchildren. A funeral service for Mr. Armstrong will be at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday at West Asheville Baptist Church with the Rev. Stan Welch officiating. Interment will follow at Pisgah View Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. prior to the service at the church. Groce Funeral Home on Patton Ave. is assisting his family with the arrangements. Flowers are appreciated, or memorials may be made to the West Asheville Baptist Church Building Fund, 926 Haywood Rd., Asheville, NC 28806, or to CarePartners Hospice, P.O. Box 25338, Asheville, NC 28813.