Floyd Douglas Armstrong

On October 27, 2025, Floyd D. Armstrong joined God's celestial Navy Corps. The youngest of four children born to James and Marie Norfleet Armstrong, Floyd entered this world on October 4, 1952 and lived a life marked by courage, conviction, and compassion.
A moment of great significance in his early years came on September 9, 1963, when Floyd and his brother Dwight made history by desegregating the Birmingham public schools. Under the protection of federal marshals provided by Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, they entered Graymont Elementary School, paving the way (after first being blocked by the Governor of Alabama) for others that came after them.
As a child of the Civil Rights era, Floyd was drawn into the struggle for justice alongside his father and siblings. He participated in demonstrations and was even jailed at ten years old during the famous Birmingham Children's Crusade, where hundreds of brave young people took to the streets demanding equality and educational opportunity.
Amid the violence and turmoil in Birmingham, Floyd's father decided for him and his two brothers to continue their education in a safer and enriching environment in Massachusetts. There, Floyd thrived academically and was embraced personally by the loving Rhodes family who took him in as one of their own. After graduating from Lincoln-Sudbury High School, Floyd attended Boston College - a Jesuit Catholic university in Chestnut Hill. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science.
Having been inspired by his ROTC experience, Floyd was commissioned into the United States Navy upon graduation. His service was marked by distinction, dedication, and leadership, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Commander before honorably retiring in August, 1994.
Following his military service, Floyd began a second career working with the Pre-Trial Release Program in Escambia County Florida, in which he also retired. Floyd was an avid sports fan and took immense pride in his love for the Florida Gators and Dallas Cowboys and rarely missed watching a game. He also developed an appreciation for exercise as his way of honoring the vessel God loaned him.
He was a devoted father to his two sons- Carlos and Justin. Together and individually, his sons will cherish memories of his words of wisdom and advice that will help them to adjust to Floyd's
physical absence.
Floyd is preceded in death by his beloved parents, James and Marie Armstrong. He leaves to cherish his memory his sons- Carlos and Justin Armstrong (Margaret); stepson- Ousman Taal; sister- Denise Wrushen; brothers- James Jr, and Dwight Armstrong (Bonnie); Aunt- Sarah Caudle; niece- Tiffany Wrushen Lane (Adrian); nephews- Charlie Wrushen, Jr. and Darren Armstrong; great niece- Jalia; granddaughters- Caitlin and Zyra; and a host of other loving relatives and dear friends.
Floyd was a member of the Historic St. Joseph Catholic Church. In his own unique way, fulfilled the divine plan God had for his life. He leaves behind a legacy of love, courage, and service-a life that championed equality, inspired others, and honored both his faith and his country.
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." - 2 Timothy 4:7 (KJV)