Obituary of Billy Lee Armstrong

Billy Lee Armstrong, 80, of Star City passed away on Thursday, July 18, 2013. He was born November 19, 1932 in Kincaid, WV, the son of the late Leona and Russell Heber Armstrong. Following his father's death, the family moved to Morgantown. He was a graduate of University High School. Upon graduation, Billy served with pride and honor in the U.S. Navy. During his military service, he visited 22 countries and was a veteran of the Korean War. After completing his military service, Billy returned to Morgantown and married Sarah Jean Straface. They settled in Star City, started a family and were married for 39 years prior to Sarah Jean passing away in 1994. Shortly thereafter Billy retired after 38 years of service as an insurance agent with Equitable Life/American Life Insurance Company and enjoyed traveling and spending time with his family and friends. Billy never met a stranger and he brought a smile to everyone he met. He was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church. He is survived by his three children and their spouses, Sarah Gallagher and husband Michael of Morgantown, Debra Slates and husband Philip both of Morgantown, and Billy Armstrong, Jr. and wife Mandy of Castro Valley, CA; grandchildren, Sarah (Katie) Gallagher, Samantha Gallagher Little and husband Andrew, Kristen Gallagher, Alexander, Benjamin and Matthew Slates, and Emma, Kate and Ethan Armstrong. He also left behind a loving and devoted sister, Patricia Panther and her husband Johnnie, many nieces and nephews and his angel on this earth, Lila Travinski, who brought great joy to his life for the last 10 years. Finally, he was also survived by his loyal and loving pug, Mack. In addition to his parents and wife Sarah Jean, he was preceded in death by his stepfather, Archie Layman, and an infant brother, Jimmy Armstrong. Special thanks go to Garnet Lee, the Clauser family and Agnes, Judy, Cindy, Francis, Craig, Wanda, Leslie and many other for their compassion and care during his illness. Lastly, thanks to his grandchildren for being totally selfless during his lengthy illness. Each sacrifice made in the name of love and family was a reflection of a lesson learned from their granddad. He taught them well. The family will receive friends and family at Hastings Funeral Home, 153 Spruce Street, Morgantown Saturday, July 27, 2013 from 8:30 until the time of the funeral service at 10:30am with Rev. William Slates officiating. Burial will follow at East Oak Grove Cemetery. Military honors will be provided at the cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society 1-888-557-7177 to honor his wife, Sarah Jean and nephew, David Panther who lost their lives to this disease.