Robert "Bobby Joe" Armstrong

Robert “Bobby Joe” J. Armstrong, age 90, of Moyers, WV, passed away Friday, February 2, 2024 at Harrisonburg Health and Rehabilitation Center.

Robert, or “Bobby Joe” as he was commonly known, was born July 15, 1933 in Moyers, WV. 

He was a graduate of Franklin High School, where he excelled as an athlete and was a standout running back on the school’s varsity football team. Following graduation, Bobby Joe enlisted in the United States Army, and was stationed in France before his discharge from service in 1956. Soon thereafter he married Juanita Anne Jones, who passed on July 6, 1996.

He was raised in and held membership with the former St. Paul Lutheran Church, held membership with St. John Lutheran Church, and attended Doe Hill United Methodist Church prior to his wife’s passing. Bobby Joe was also a former member of the Stonewall Ruritan Club, the Treasure Mountain Swingers Square Dancers, and at one point served on the Pendleton County School Board. 

On the family farm, Bobby Joe raised beef cattle and had a large flock of ewes; he tended to both with great pride. Additionally, he had retired from the Pendleton County Public School System as a bus driver. 

Amongst his countless qualities, he was known as a man of good humor, strong work ethic, and selfless nature - always willing to lend a hand to his neighbors and friends. He was also a very caring person toward his family and community, and carried a special place in his heart for his dogs. Bobby enjoyed time spent participating in the local bowling league, cooking holiday meals for his family (and less formal meals at the family hunt camp), as well as fishing and going on fishing trips. However, he enjoyed none of these activities greater than the time he spent with his grandchildren.

Above all else, Bobby Joe Armstrong will be remembered as a diligent provider and loving husband, father, and grandfather to his family. 

In addition to his wife, Bobby Joe was predeceased by his mother, Myrtle Armstrong; and grandson, Wyatt Dane Armstrong.

Surviving family members include his sons, Barry Armstrong and companion, Lisa Zirkle of Quicksburg, VA, and Craig Armstrong and wife, Elizabeth of Harrisonburg, VA; grandchildren, Nicole Vickery of Clemson, SC, Justin Armstrong of Moyers, WV, Bronson Armstrong of Franklin, WV, and Elijah Armstrong of Sugar Grove; his sister, Doris Douglas of Staunton, VA; his brother-in-law, Tom Jones of Doe Hill, VA; and nephews, David Douglas of Weyers Cave, VA and Victor Douglas of Staunton, VA. 

A funeral service will be held 2 p.m., Wednesday, February 7, 2024 at Obaugh Funeral Home in McDowell, VA, with Rev. Jerry Smith officiating. Burial will follow in St. Paul Independent Lutheran Church Cemetery.

Active pallbearers will be grandsons, Justin, Bronson, and Elijah Armstrong, as well as Tom Jones, Tom Wimer, and Joe Campanella. 

The family will receive friends at the funeral home prior to the service, beginning at 12:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to St. Paul Cemetery Association, c/o Joeann Moyers, 1685 Doe Hill Road, Sugar Grove, WV 26815.