James Clester "Runt" Armstrong

James C “Runt” or “Papaw” Armstrong, 91, slipped quietly into the arms of Jesus May 31 after a short battle with CHF. He was born in 1929 to Lena Belle (Thrailkill) and Bill Armstrong just outside French Camp, MS. He lived and worked hard on the farm and periodically attended school at French Camp Academy where teachers knew him as prankster – the kind who would leave a snake in a teacher’s desk! His school attendance was sporadic due to farm work, but he continued until age 17 and enjoyed playing for the French Camp football team. After he completed school he began working full time at the sawmill where he had worked part time since 6yrs old. In time, he met Edna Greenwall and they married in 1948 - one week after her 18th birthday. In 1949, he went to Montgomery, AL where he began work with his Uncle Robert Thrailkill at Layne – a commercial water well drilling company. In 1963 he moved to Layne’s Pensacola office and continued to work for many years. He traveled all over the United States, drilling wells that benefitted millions of people. At age 78, he “retired” as drill rig foreman after 58 years. Never satisfied to sit around, he worked around the Layne shop for another 5 years until he retired a second time at age 83 – after an amazing 63 years! He continued to stay active – primarily through growing a large garden, keeping chickens, and tending honey bees. He was a member of the North Escambia Bee Club and attended Heritage Baptist Church of Pensacola. He is preceded in death by his mother and father; beloved wife Edna; brother’s Lester, Billy and sister Bonnie Lynn Bridges. He is survived by his sister Neva Mason; three children James “Andy” (Carol), Sharon Beck (Ray), and Allison; two grandchildren, Andrew (Kim) and Amanda; and one great-grandchild, Elizabeth. Family visitation will be at Faith Chapel Funeral Home (South) Thursday, June 3 at 5pm with home going service at 6pm. Burial will be Saturday June 5 in French Camp, MS. The family extends thanks to Pensacola Covenant Hospice Sacred Heart inpatient unit staff for helping him and the family complete his journey Home. Due to the travel involved, the family requests In lieu of flowers please send donations to Covenant Hospice of Pensacola or Heritage Baptist Church of Pensacola, 2200 W Michigan Ave 32526. Faith Chapel Funeral Home South, 100 Beverly Parkway, Pensacola, is entrusted with arrangements. You may express condolences online at www.fcfhs.com.

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James Clester "Runt" Armstrong

December 18, 1929 - May 31, 2021