Garry Lamont Armstrong

Garry Lamont Armstrong was born on March 17, 1952 in Michigan City, Indiana. As a young child, his family moved to Rockford, Illinois and he graduated from Rockford East High School in 1971. After high school, Garry enlisted in the US Army in June 1971 and was later honorably discharged in January 1973. His highest rank during his military service was Private Second Class (PV2) and he earned decorations for rifle marksmanship and a National Defense Service medal. Garry enrolled in Rock Valley Junior College in 1974 and earned an Associate Degree in Arts in 1976.

Garry married Ms. Minnie Staten in 1976 and they relocated from Rockford to Milwaukee, Wisconsin due to employment opportunities. After producing two children, a son and daughter, they would later divorce in 1984. From 1976 through 2004, he worked as a machinist and foundry laborer for several companies in Milwaukee, which included both Ampco Metal, Inc. and General Electric (GE) Company. Garry relocated to San Francisco in 2004 to take a position with the San Francisco Veteran Affairs (VA) Medical Center and was employed until 2009 when he encountered medical disabilities. After relocating back to Milwaukee, he was under care with the Milwaukee VA Medical Center before he moved to Spring, Texas in 2015 with his children for continued medical care.

Garry was a remarkable guitar player. He played bass guitar for a local band during his time at Rock Valley Junior College and would later occasionally play acoustic guitar during his visits at Adult Day Care centers. Garry’s acumen for playing guitar was beloved by friends and family, mainly because he was self-taught and could play many songs by ear. He also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren for birthdays and holidays every year after moving to Texas.

Garry is survived by his two children: his son, Garry (Mont) Armstrong, Jr. and his daughter, Dr. Stacey Alece (Armstrong) Godley. His grandson: Jayden Alexander Armstrong. Five granddaughters: Imani Denese Armstrong, Riley Savannah Godley, Destini Marie Armstrong, Camdyn Dior Godley, and Naomi Taylor Armstrong. His brothers: Charles Armstrong (Sherry), David Armstrong, Jerry Armstrong, Terry Armstrong, Tony Armstrong, and Bobby Armstrong. His sisters: Nora Lynne (Champion) Torrence, Deborah (Jackson) Roulhac (Isaac), and Dena Armstrong. Garry also has a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins, and extended family and friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Charlie Armstrong and Roberta Jackson; his ex-wife, Minnie Armstrong; and one sister, Linda Armstrong.

On behalf of the family and staff of Barkley Memorial Funeral Home, our hearts and prayers go out to the family in your time of bereavement. As you grieve know that we are praying for you.

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