Sunrise … Alexander Alan Armstrong, Jr., was born in Dubbs, Mississippi on January 17, 1932 to Alexander Alan Armstrong, Sr. and the former Edna Johnson. Alexander had 16 brothers and sisters. He was lovingly called, "Alex", "Triple A", "Army" and "Mr. J". Alexander received his formal education in Dubbs, Mississippi, graduating from Booker T. Washington High School, Memphis, Tennessee. He attended Michigan State University for 3 years majoring in Horticulture. Alexander received numerous awards, among them: The Silver Beaver for Distinguished Service to Boyhood; Scouters Key and Certificate of Appreciation for Outstanding Services ~ all conferred by Boy Scouts of America. Serving our Country … Alexander was drafted into military service on May 1, 1951 serving with distinction in the U. S. Marine Corps obtaining the rank of Corporal. Corporal Alexander Alan Armstrong, Jr. was honorably discharged on October 15, 1954. Following his discharge from the Marines, Alexander made his home in Detroit, Michigan. Giving his life to Christ … Prior to 1959, Alexander was a member of Hartford Baptist Church, later joining Calvary Presbyterian Church where he sang in the choir and served as a doorkeeper (Usher) in the House of the Lord. Alexander sang in a gospel quartet for many years. Family … Alexander met and married Evelyn Carol, and to this union 5 children were born~ Marcus, Alonzo, Serena, Cecil and Cecelia. Alexander was a proud father and the family shared many happy times together. During this time, Alexander worked numerous years for the U. S. Postal Service in Detroit, Michigan and received awards of Notable Performance. Alexander and Evelyn dissolved their marriage in 1977. Profession … In November 1977, Alexander relocated to Denver, Colorado where he was able to utilize his education in Horticulture, working for Newberry Brothers Greenhouse. There he honed his skills, serving as a Floral Designer, who specialized in weddings and special occasions. It's important to note that Alexander obtained work at Newberry Brothers in just 1 day! He also owned his own floral business, providing beautiful flowers for all to enjoy. Alexander worked at IBM (1979-1992) and the Denver Mint (1993). Although Alexander never really retired, he officially retired twice ~ once from IBM and again from the U. S. Government in December 1995. He then worked for the Denver Public School system for several years until his health began to fail. Central Baptist Church … Alexander joined Central Baptist Church in 1977 under the leadership of Reverend Dr. W. O. Mays, Sr. There he served dutifully on the Finance Ministry, Male Chorus and as Assistant Superintendent of the Sunday School. Bro. Armstrong served proudly as the Church Treasurer in excess of 25+ years. Everyone knew that Bro. Alex Armstrong "would not leave the church until every penny was counted." And the two became one … Alexander met Bobbye Kay and after a long courtship they were married on June 17, 1986 in Denver, Colorado. To this union, one child was born ~ Alexander Alan Armstrong, III. The blended family of Alexander and Bobbye Armstrong grew to 10 ~ 8 sons and 2 daughters. Hobbies … Alexander was a cabinetry maker and a leather craftsman specializing in creating unique and elegant wallets, purses and belts. He loved traveling, beautifying the yard, utilizing his horticultural skills to grow delicious fruits and vegetables and exquisite flowers. Alexander loved people and never met a stranger. He was an exceptional chef whose specialty was in creating unique and delectable pizzas! Alexander was a jazz enthusiast and held the title of an extraordinary bid whiz player! To know Alexander was to love him Sunset … Alexander is preceded in death by a son, Lawrence Thompson; his parents; and fourteen of his siblings. On Thursday, August 21, 2014, at 82 years of age, Alexander Alan Armstrong, Jr., passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving wife Bobbye Kay and close family friend, Jerri Bass. Alexander Alan Armstrong, Jr. departed this life to the embrace of the Lord on August 21, 2014, in Aurora, Colorado. Those left to cherish his memory and mourn his loss include, his loving and devoted wife, Bobbye K. Armstrong, Denver; seven sons, Marcus (Jennifer) Armstrong, Alonzo (Diane) Armstrong, Cecil Armstrong, all Detroit, MI, Rickie W. (Sandra) Thompson, Aurora, CO, Samuel P. Thompson, Aaron S. Thompson, both Denver, CO and Quentin K. (Nicole) Thompson, Aurora, and Alexander A. Armstrong, III, LA, CA; two daughters, Serena Armstrong, Detroit, MI and Reverend Cecelia D. Armstrong, West Palm Beach, FL; two brothers, Charles (Beverly) Armstrong, Detroit, MI and Robert L. (Peggy) Armstrong, San Diego, CA; one sister, E. Louise Bunkley, Detroit, MI; twenty one, grandchildren; six great grandchildren; his brother and sister in laws, Richard C. (Hazel) Gant, Shelbyville, TN, Reverend C.D. (Floretta) Gant, Margaret Gant-Bell and David F. (Royce) Gant all of Cleveland, OH and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends. We will remember with love Alexander's warm smile, generous heart, and loving spirit.
Funeral Home: Pipkin Braswell Funerals and Cremation - 6601 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO
Visitation: 8/28/2014 at 4:00 PM - Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace - 6601 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO
Service: 8/29/2014 at 10:00 AM - Central Baptist Church - 2400 California Street, Denver, CO
Cemetery: 8/29/2014 at 1:15:00 PM - Fort Logan National Cemetery - 4400 West Kenyon Avenue, Denver, CO