Louis Walker Armstrong

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, Louis W Armstrong passed away early Tuesday morning August 23, 2011.He was 78 years old. He was born January 4, 1933 in Stanley, NC where he graduated from High School in 1951. Louis served with distinction in the US Navy from 1951-1953 where he was awarded an academic scholarship to Duke University. He graduated from Duke in 1957, from The School of Banking of the South at Louisiana State University in 1966 and The National School of Commercial Lending at Oklahoma University in 1970. He began his banking career in 1959 at Citizens National Bank in Gastonia, NC. In 1969 he became City Executive of Planters National Bank in Asheboro, NC. He later founded and was President of New Hanover Bank in Wilmington, NC in 1974 and Randolph Bank and Trust in Asheboro, NC in 1978. Louis ended his storied business career as CFO of Hughes Furniture Industries in Randleman, NC back in 2000. Throughout his life he sought to fulfill the biblical admonition "it is better to serve than be served." His passion to help people in practical ways was both diverse and highly impactful. He served the State of NC as a member of the NC Forestry Council from 1976-1980. He served his church in various roles including one term as Junior Warden and two terms as Senior Warden. He was involved in various Rotary Chapters throughout his career. He served Duke University for over a decade as a volunteer admissions counselor of would-be students from Randolph County. Following his retirement in 2000 he served his community by providing business advice for many aspiring entrepreneurs, and worked with his wife Rachel ministering to the homeless in Asheboro at the Room at the Inn. "Papa" (as he was affectionately named by his grandchildren) was an avid golfer; accomplished gardener; loyal fan of the Duke Blue Devils; a "yellow-dog" Democrat; a dyed in the wool Episcopalian; a mesmerizing story-teller; a deft tennis player; and a man of style and grace. But the greatest legacy he leaves behind was the investment of his life in family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Clyde and Mae Armstrong and two siblings Nancy Barnett and Jeanette Hilton. He is survived by his best friend and wife of 51 years Rachel Young Armstrong of High Point; his son Louis Walker Armstrong, Jr. of High Point; his daughter and son-in-law Amy Armstrong Freeman and Peter Hancock Freeman of High Point; his grandson Louis Armstrong Freeman of High Point; his granddaughter Emily Renee Armstrong of Charlotte; his sister Doris Armstrong Elliott of Gastonia and his brother Raymond Armstrong of Lake Norman. A memorial service will be held at The Church of the Good Shepherd in Asheboro, NC Friday, August 26 at 2pm. Visitation with the family will immediately follow the service. In lieu of flowers the family encourages you to make any gift to The Church of the Good Shepherd, 505 Mountain Road, Asheboro, NC 27205 or The Hospice Home of High Point, 1801 Westchester Drive, High Point, NC 27262. Pugh Funeral Home in Asheboro is assisting the Armstrong family.