William Lyons “Bill” Armstrong Jr.

Published 1:57 pm Tuesday, January 21, 2025

William Lyons “Bill” Armstrong Jr. of Elizabethton, Tenn., went home to be with the Lord on Monday, January 20, 2025, at the James H. Quillen VA Medical Center at the age of 99. Born on November 1, 1925, Bill was a son of the late William Lyons Armstrong Sr. and Jane Foard Armstrong. In addition to his parents, Bill was also preceded in death by his beloved wife, Catherine Wooten Armstrong; a daughter, Cathy Armstrong Ogg; a sister, Frances Tolbert; and a niece, Ann Marie Wood West.  

Bill grew up in Rogersville. He said that the strongest influences on his young life were his mother, Jane, and his grandmother, Ida Armstrong. He said he would spend his summers on his grandmother’s farm and “she kept me going to church.” 

Bill was in high school when World War II broke out. In 1943, when he turned 17 he dropped out of school in order to join the Navy. After his basic training, Bill was assigned to a small vessel known as a landing craft, infantry LCI 455, and was on his way to the Pacific. His ship was designed to carry infantry units to the shore, but his craft was converted by taking off the ramp and installing rocket launchers used to clear the way for the Army and Marine assault troops. Bill and his ship would take part in amphibious invasions of Eniwetok in February 1944; Saipan in June 1944; Tinian and Guam in July 1944; Peleliu in September 1944; and Okinawa in April 1945.   

Bill served in Tinian, Peleliu, Saipan, Guam, Philippines, Guadal Canal, Okinawa, Marianna Islands and others in World War II. Sid Davis swam to boat in Saipan Tininamo on April 1, 1945 on Easter. Bill’s ship invaded Okinawa, shot shells onto the beach and then shot up the beach and invaded. Bill called it “throwing Easter eggs at them.” 

Bill got out of the Navy in 1946 and the future educator got a job with the Carter County School System and taught at Midway Elementary School for the 1951-1952 school year.  =The next year, Bill got a job with the Elizabethton City School System and taught sixth grade at the old Harold McCormick School. He then served several years at Lynn Avenue Elementary School. His first job as principal was at Duffield Academy for a year. He then became principal at Lynn Avenue for four years. In 1968 he became principal at Harold McCormick in the school’s new building. His years of moving from school to school would come to an end, as Bill would serve as principal at Harold McCormick for 23 years, until his retirement.  

The Armstrong family soon grew, with the addition of his son, “Little” Bill, and his daughter, Cathy. Bill’s 46-year political career also began with his election to the Carter County Commission in 1968. Bill said of his half century on the county commission that, “I have enjoyed most of it… The biggest decision we ever made was selling the old hospital.” That enabled Sycamore Shoals Hospital to be built.

Bill was a member of the American Legion and the Captain Lynn H Folsom VFW Post 2166. He was also a 32nd Degree Mason, a member of the Dashiell Masonic Lodge and the Elizabethton/Carter County Humane Society. In addition to his government service, Bill has been involved in several other community projects. He was one of the founders of the Northeast Community Credit Union in 1952. In 1998, Bill was named National Director of the Year of the National Credit Union Association. Bill was also a founder and promoter of the Imagination Library, Dolly Parton’s program to provide free books to all children between the ages of birth and 5 years. Bill and his wife Catherine were both animal lovers and were instrumental in working for a new animal shelter for the city and county.   

Bill and his wife were lifelong members of First United Methodist Church in Elizabethton. He enjoyed sports and played tennis his entire lifetime.

Bill’s legacy continues with those who survive him, including his son, Dr. William B. “Bill” Armstrong of Elizabethton; his grandson, William Curtis Armstong of Elizabethton; two great-grandchildren, Reagan Armstrong and William Robert “Bo” Armstrong; his special caregiver, Penni Replogle; and his nieces and nephews, Bobby Tolbert, Dottie Wood McAmis (Tim), Misti McAmis, Jack West (Ann Marie West’s husband), Bobbie Sue Wood, Joe Wood and Denise Hoff.

Friends are invited to stop by Tetrick Funeral Home of Elizabethton on Thursday, January 23, between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and on Friday, January 24, between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to sign the guest register book and pay their respects to Bill. 

Bill will be laid to rest at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 25, in the Mausoleum of Peace at Happy Valley Memorial Park with Rev, Raymond Amos Sr. officiating. Those wishing to attend the service are asked to meet at the Mausoleum of Peace at 10:50 a.m. Saturday. Bill’s family would like to express their sincere appreciation to Dick Ryan, Susan Peters, Roy Ellis, Penni Replogle, Stan Ogg and the doctors and staff of the James H. Quillen VA Medical Center. Those who prefer memorials in lieu of flowers may make donations in memory of Bill to the Elizabethton/Carter County Humane Society or to the Elizabethton Boys and Girls Club.  

From his son, Bill: He tried to the end and fought the good fight. He was a really good Dad and person who influenced a lot of people’s lives in really good ways. It is so very hard to let him go, but no more suffering! He will be missed but he is in the arms of Jesus in Heaven now with Memaw and Cathy and his sister Frances and his mom and dad –  all welcoming and rejoicing.  Amen. Father God, Jesus and Holy Spirit, thank you for the time on Earth with him and thank you Jesus and the good Lord above for eternal life in Heaven with you and the reunion of family and friends. What a glorious day! Amen.

Words of sympathy may be shared with the Armstrong family by visiting our website at www.tetrickfuneralhome.com and signing the guest register book.

Tetrick Funeral Home of Elizabethton is honored to serve the family of Mr. William L. “Bill” Armstrong Jr.  Office Phone: (423) 542-2232.