Thomas Allen Armstrong

Tom Armstrong passed away on December 31, 2021 with his beloved wife by his side following a hard fought, seven-week battle with complications following a hemorrhagic stroke. He was preceded in death by his father, Wayne Armstrong, his infant brother, Bruce Wayne Armstrong, and his son, Donald Wayne “D.W.” Armstrong.

Tom is survived by his wife of 47 years, Dauna Browning Armstrong. Other survivors are his daughter, Jill (Chris) Williams of Asheville, NC,his son, Jake (Stephanie) Armstrong of Newnan, GA, his mother, Virginia Flint Armstrong Shiveley, and his sister, Amy Armstrong Collins, both of Wilmington, OH. Also surviving him are the highlights of the last 12 years of his life, his four grandchildren. Ember Williams (age 11), Owen (12), Sydney (10) and Lane (7) Armstrong, who had shared a special type of love with their “Pops.”

Tom was a 1970 graduate of Clinton Massie High School where he played baseball and basketball, and met his wife while attending Morehead State University, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 1975. After marrying the love of his life, he joined the workforce by starting at Cowan Lake State Park, and then moving to the Champion Bridge Company. In the early 1990’s, Tom started at Airborne Express, where he would spend over 25 years being known as “Army” and working his way into leadership roles before retiring in 2009.

Following his retirement, he became “Pops” and started babysitting – a term used very loosely – his grandchildren. We’re still not sure who was in charge while the kids were at Pops’ house. Over the past 5 years, Tom enjoyed serving the community and driving a cab for the City of Wilmington, where he made even more connections around the small town that he’s loved for 50 years.

When he wasn’t working, Tom could be found at the park playing softball or coaching youth sports. Later in life, he became a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles #1224, Elks 797, VFW Post 6710, and the American Legion Post 49.

Throughout all of that time, Tom was a loving husband, committed father, and pillar to those who needed strength. He led his family through unique and sometimes challenging circumstances, but always did it with humor, humility, and empathy.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM, Sunday, January 16, 2022 at Smith Funeral Home, 327 N. South Street, Wilmington, Ohio.  A funeral service will be held 10:00 AM, Monday, January 17, 2022 at Smith Funeral Home.  Burial will follow in Sugar Grove Cemetery, Wilmington, Ohio.

The family is accepting donations help assist with the funeral and medical expenses. Donations can be made to the active GoFundMe page, or checks can be made out to Dauna Armstrong and sent to Wilmington Savings Bank, 184 N. South Street, Wilmington, OH 45177. Any excess funds will be donated to Heather’s Hope, a Clinton Country charitable organization that helps diabetic patients secure necessary medications.

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