Dr. Charles Byron “Pete” Armstrong, age 74, of Clinton, passed away Monday, April 17, 2000, at his residence.

He was born in Knoxville Aug 15, 1925, to Eugene Shields Armstrong Sr. and Rosalie “Rossie” Hand Armstrong of Martel, Tenn.

Dr. Armstrong was a veteran of the United States Navy where he served as an aviation radio gunner on Thetis Aircraft Carrier during World War II. He was a member of the American Legion and the American Veterans of World War II.

Dr. Armstrong received his undergraduate degree from Memphis State University and his Doctorate of Dental Surgery “D.D.S.” degree from UT School of Dentistry where he served as President of the Student Body. He was a member of the Xi Psi Phi Fraternity and a member of the American Dental Association and the Tennessee Dental Association. After graduating in 1955 he began his practice of dentistry in Clinton, which lasted until his retirement in 1993. During those 30 years of practicing in Clinton he treated hundreds of people whom he loved and cherished as he would members of his own family. His work was his ministry and for many years he volunteered to help many underprivileged children and families at the Briceville Health Department and other ministries. After retirement, at age 71, “Dr. Pete” traveled to the Dominican Republic where he loved and cared for many, many hurting Dominican children and adults. He was a servant of God and his life portrayed that in every way.

Dr. Armstrong was an alderman for two terms in Clinton and then served as Clinton’s mayor from 1972 to 1974.

He was past president of the Anderson County Library Board and the Clinch-Powell Library Board. He served two years as Crusade Chairman for the American Cancer Society as well as two years as President of the Anderson County Cancer Society Unit.

For many years he served as manager of the Clinton Girls Softball Team and President of the Girls Softball League. He was Scout Master of Boy Scout Troop #131.

Dr. Armstrong was active in Clinton Jaycees where he served as president. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Award for being Clinton’s Outstanding Young Man of the Year.

Since his retirement he had worked with his family at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home. Dr. Armstrong was a longtime member of Memorial Untied Methodist Church of Clinton where he was presently serving as President of the Trustees. He will best be remembered by his devotion to his family and friends and by his smiles and humor that made everyone who met him, love him.

Survivors: Daughters, Susan Gamble of Knoxville, Carol Taylor and husband David of Clemmons, NC., son, Charles B. Armstrong Jr. of Clinton; brother, Eugene S. Armstrong Jr. of Albany, GA; sister, Charlotte Armstrong Hagar of Vero Beach, FL; special friend, Pat Hedden of Clinton; grandchildren, Mark Kreis, Holly Gamble, Ben Gamble, John David Taylor, Caroline Taylor and Matthew Armstrong.

The family will receive friends 6-8 pm Wednesday, April 29, 2000, at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton with funeral service following at 8 pm in the chapel with the Rev. Warren Wattenbarger officiating.

Interment will be held 9 am Thursday, April 20, 2000, at Grandview Memorial Gardens with the Rev. Joe Bridges officiating.

Full military honors will be conducted at gravesite by the East Tennessee State Honor Guard.

Pallbearers will be John Gamble, Ben Gamble, David Taylor, John David Taylor, Matthew Armstrong, Mark Kreis. Pete’s special friends will serve as honorary pallbearers.

Source:
Clinton Courier News
19 April 2000