Richard (Dick) David Armistead passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at the age of 78. Throughout his life, Dick embodied grace, compassion, and a deep love for his family, friends, and country. He was sincerely grateful for the long life and rich experiences with which God blessed him, and his presence will be missed immensely by all who knew him.
Dick’s journey began in Norfolk, Va., where he was born on March 28, 1947 to Vernon and Florence Armistead. He spent his formative years in Mathews County, Va., and graduated from Mathews High School in 1965. Transitioning into adulthood, Dick attended the Newport News Apprentice School and, in 1966, was drafted into military service. His commitment to his country led him to join the United States Marine Corps, and in 1967, he was deployed to Vietnam, bravely participating in the battle of Hue during the Tet Offensive. After his service in Vietnam, Dick received orders to Omaha, Nebraska, marking another pivotal chapter as he attended the University of Nebraska while fulfilling his duties in the Marine Corps. He left the Marines in 1969 as a Staff Sergeant, carrying with him a deep sense of pride and accomplishment.
Embracing new opportunities after his military service, Dick moved to Raleigh, N.C., where he pursued further education at Holding Technical Institute and graduated in 1972. His professional life began at Southern Bell Telecommunications, which later evolved to BellSouth, and Dick’s career took him and his young family to Atlanta, Ga. There, he demonstrated unwavering dedication for 23 years until his retirement in June 1998.
With retirement, Dick relocated to Orange Park, Fla., eager to be closer to his children and grandchildren. He filled his days with the simple joys he cherished most: listening to Bob Dylan and Jimmy Buffett, cruising in his beloved Volkswagen Beetle, spending afternoons at the dog track, golfing, and taking beach vacations. One memory that stands out is Dick’s love of hot dogs and watching old cowboy movies with his wife and dogs. This truly captured his zest for life.
Dick is survived by a loving family who will continue to honor his legacy: beloved wife, Joanna Armistead; children, Dawn Frye, Amy Duncan (Bryan), Kristin Wilson (Robert) and Jayme Tabor (Jared); grandchildren, Katelyn Sexton, Megan Bates (Brandon), Collin Frye, Allison Young, Courteney Frye, Caleb Wilson and Emma Wilson; and great-grandchildren, Hunter Sexton, Jackson Bates, Ivy Erickson and Olivia Bates.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Community Hospice of Clay County in memory of Richard D. Armistead. Dick’s life will be celebrated in a private family ceremony, honoring the love and joy he shared with all.