Charles Armstrong

Charles Jacob "Jake' Armstrong, 54, loving husband of Vanessa (Sims) Armstrong of Fort Defiance, died unexpectedly Saturday, Feb. 2, 2013. Born October 14, 1958, in Harrisonburg and raised in Deerfield, he was a devoted son of Emma Jearlean "Jerry" (Botkin) Armstrong and the late Joseph Arch Armstrong, and dedicated father to Jennifer Ann (Armstrong) Hevener and husband, Randolph of Staunton, as well as proud grandpa to Joseph Randolph Hevener. Jake attended and was baptized at McKendree United Methodist Church. Following his 1977 graduation from Bath County High School, he went on to work for Plecker Construction Company. His career with Plecker's would span more than 30 years, during which time he worked as a heavy equipment operator as well as construction superintendent. Jake will be remembered as having worked hard all his life, both for his employer and for his family in creating an openhearted home. He was a generous and gentle man with a mischievous smile and twinkle in his eye, who always helped a friend or neighbor in need, most particularly elderly neighbors for whom he had a special fondness. Jake was an avid hunter, a skilled handyman and, with his wife, a bountiful gardener. In addition to his wife, Vanessa, with whom he laughed every day, and the family mentioned above, he is survived by a brother, Wade "Tub' Hampton Armstrong of Salisbury, MD; two stepsons, Benjamin Narduzzi, Gabriel Narduzzi and wife, Anna, all of Anchorage, AK; three nephews, Chris Armstrong of Staunton, and Neal and Daniel Armstrong, both of Salisbury, NC; a special cousin, Dennis "Petey' Armstrong, of Deerfield; as well as numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. A memorial service will be held 1 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 9, 2013 at Obaugh Funeral Home in McDowell with the Rev. Dave Boger officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. A private burial to be held at a later date.

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