Obituary of Willie Armstead

Willie James Armstead was born on September 12^th, 1932, in Marshall, Texas to the union of the late Willie “Bill” Armstead and Valrie Howard Armstead.  He departed this life on Tuesday, February 4^th, 2025 @ 1100 AM.

He received formal education from Park Elementary School and Pemberton High School in Marshall, TX. On February 28^th, 1952, after having relocated to Dallas, TX, he married the love of his life, Helen Sample, and eight children were born to this union, four boys and four girls. He was known to be a doting husband and a consistent and constant provider for his family, always being there. He worked various jobs throughout the years, and in 1972, he began working for the City of Dallas as a Supervisor of Street Maintenance and retired after 35 years.  He was an avid hunter, excelled in boxing, and enjoyed watching sports of every kind, especially with his sons.  For over 60 years, he was a faithful member of the Cherubim Lodge #237.

Joining him in this celebration are his beloved wife of 64 years (at the time of her death), Helen Louise Sample Armstead, his parents, his stepmother, Margaret “Nick” Grissom Armstead, a sister, Valrie Armstead, two sons, Phillip Anthony and Darryl Steven Armstead, a daughter, Wilma Delores Armstead Harris, a grandson, Tramel “Termite” Harris, two sisters-in-law, Beverly Armstead and Margie Sample Johnson, three brothers-in-law, Rev. James Sample, Alfred Sample and Frederick Sample.

He leaves to cherish his precious memories, two sons, Clifford Wayne (Esther) and Doyle Keith (Gail), and three daughters, Felicia Anita, Bridgette Rochelle, and Angelette Rena, one brother, Travis Armstead, one sister-in-law, Rev. Peggy Sample Williams, two brothers-in-law, Thomas (May), and Mark (Verla), eleven grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.