Fred Douglas Armstrong - Obituary

red Douglas Armstrong departed this life peacefully Saturday evening, July 11, 2020, at Walter Reed Hospital in Bethesda, Maryland surrounded by his family. Fred was born in Elm City, NC on February 10, 1937, to the late Fred and Rosa Farmer Armstrong. Fred graduated from Frederick Douglass School, served 20 years, 3 months in the United States Air Force. Two of his Tours of Duty included Vietnam and the Philippines. He then worked for Hecht’s in Savage, Maryland until his second retirement. Fred married Helen Marie Lucas and to this union, one daughter, Sheila and one son, Doug were born. He was a member of Greater Saint John Church, where he was highly visible and active. Dad touched so many people through his patient and peaceful spirit, his wonderful sense of humor, his infectious smile, his heart-felt laughter and quick wit. He had jokes all the time and he was quick with his comebacks. His life was devoted to his family, and he loved his children, grandson, daughter-in-law, and son-in law dearly. His children were his pride and joy. He loved his buddy and best friend, George. Their friendship began over 50 years ago. They travelled to the same Tours of Duty places via the military, except the Philippines. They enjoyed going to Solomons Island, Maryland with their boats and enjoyed fishing together. They were there for each other in all things in life. Dad loved studying the Bible, fishing, planting flowers, enjoying good music, conversation, preparing his famous ribs, and fellowship. Dad loved working with the Frederick Douglass Alumni Association (FDAA) where he worked tirelessly to raise funds for scholarships for deserving students. He was the Secretary of the Maryland Chapter FDAA for many years. Dad will be missed beyond measure. Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Fred Armstrong and Rosa Farmer Armstrong; three brothers, Herbert Armstrong, Harvey Lee Armstrong and Thomas Armstrong; two sisters, Doris Hardwick and Odera Sharpe. He leaves to cherish his memories, his wife, Helen M. Armstrong of Hampton, VA; one daughter, Sheila A. Hill (Clarence) of Newport News, VA; one son, Fred D. Armstrong, Jr. (Jackie) of Hanover, MD; one grandson, Marcus L. Armstrong (Cari) of Upper Marlboro, MD; two great-grandchildren, Kendall and Mason Armstrong of Upper Marlboro, MD; one brother, Marvin Armstrong (Annie) of Elm City, NC; a special niece whom he loved as a sister, Gloria Ann Rountree of Laurel, MD; one sister-in law, Gloria Armstrong of Lanham, MD and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends. A viewing will be held on Monday, August 3, 2020, from 11:00am-11:30am at Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory. A Homegoing Celebration of Life Service will be held on Monday, August 3, 2020, at 11:30am. Entombment with full Military Honors will follow at Cheltenham Veterans Cemetery. In lieu of flowers in memory, please send check to Frederick Douglass High School Alumni Association, P.O. Box 2562, Wilson, NC 27894. On the check, put “Fred D. Armstrong Scholarship Fund.” Services of comfort entrusted to Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 6160 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill, MD 20745.