Larry B. Armstrong

Larry Buren Armstrong, 83, passed away in his sleep on September 25, 2023, at Hospice of Union County. He was born March 29, 1940, in Stanley, NC, to the late Malvin and Sue (Swangim) Armstrong.
Mr. Armstrong graduated from Stanley High School in 1958, and played basketball at East Carolina University and Gaston College before graduating from Belmont Abbey College and obtaining his Master's Degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. He enlisted into the US Army and served in Germany.
Mr. Armstrong retired from Gaston County Schools after 31 years of teaching and coaching. His impact on his students remained evident throughout his life. Mr. Armstrong was inducted into the Mount Holly Sports Hall of Fame to commemorate his 1977 Golf Team's State Championship. Mr. Armstrong played baseball in the Pony League World Series, softball through the mill leagues, and football in the Army. He was an avid golfer throughout his life. He enjoyed his membership at Pine Island Country Club. He also served on the Board of Coulwood Oaks Homeowners Association. He was a fan of Duke basketball and loved a good UNC rivalry smack talk! His greatest joys were buying gifts for family and friends, listening to all genres of music (especially on vinyl), eating Tony's ice cream, RO's BBQ or anything from The Sport's Page. He also dabbled in bird watching and gardening.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Armstrong was preceded in death by his brother Reid Armstrong, his sister Joyce Armstrong Stephenson, and many first cousins who he loved as siblings.
Mr. Armstrong is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Kyra and Kent Gunn; his grandsons Sam, Will, and Daniel Gunn; his brother Raymond Armstrong, and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is also survived by Kyra's mother, Abbie Hartis.
A service to celebrate his life will be held at 3:00 PM on Saturday, September 30, 2023, at Catawba Heights Baptist Church in Belmont, NC., with Pastors Raymond Johns, Jr. and Jeremy Russell officiating. The family will receive friends from 2:00 PM until 3:00 PM on Saturday, at the church.
Kyra and her family would like to thank Dianne Belk-Pettit who assisted with Larry's care for many years, niece Vanessa Stephenson May and nephew Dale Stevenson who were so helpful and supportive, and the many friends and relatives who contacted, visited, and helped Larry during these last two difficult years.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Hospice of Union County, 700 W. Roosevelt Blvd Monroe, NC 28110 or Catawba Heights Baptist Church, 395 Belmont Ave Belmont, NC 28012.
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