MSG US Army (Retired) Billy W. Armistead

MSG US Army (Ret.) Billy W. Armistead June 11, 1942 - March 5, 2010 MSG US Army (Ret.) Billy W. Armistead, age 67, of Hampton, GA, died March 5, 2010. He was born in Monticello, GA to the late Robert and Ruth Armistead of Hampton. Also preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law, Hugh and Mary Armistead; brother-in-law SFC (Ret.) Jimmy Bozeman of Fayetteville, NC. He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Brenda Coates Armistead and daughter and son-in-law, Cindy and Wade Crawford of McDonough, and beloved grandchildren Ryan and Madeline Crawford. Survivors also include sister and brother-in-law Louise and Bobby Clower of Hampton, sister Ophelia Ruth Bozeman of Fayetteville, NC, brother-in-law and sister-in-laws: Dwight and Ann Coates of Griffin; Wandell and Gloria Coates of Milner; Dianne and Anthony Parmer of Griffin. Also special life long friends including: MSG USA (Ret.) Lee McRae of Griffin, MSG USA (Ret.) A. M. Carrigan of Fairfield, Maine; Juan White of Hampton; Ret. Sheriff Warren Roddenberry of Carrabelle, FL; MSG (Ret.) Winfred Popham of Homer, GA; MSG (Ret.) Terry Dupriest of Gainesville, GA; Bobby Shedd of Hampton and numerous others; several nieces and nephews. He attended Griffin High School and joined the army at age nineteen and made it his career. He proudly served his country for 23 years; retiring in January 1985. He voluntarily served in Vietnam with the 3rd Brigade, 9th Infantry Division; C Company from 1967-68. He earned numerous military awards including the Bronze Star Metal; Meritorious Service Medal; 2 Army Accommodations Medals; 8 Army Good Conduct Medals; Overseas Service Ribbon; NCO Professional Development Ribbon; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; Army Service Ribbon; Vietnamese Service Medal w/ 3 Bronze Stars; National Defense Service Ribbon; Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm (Unit); Vietnam Counter Offensive Phase III and IV; TET Counter Offensive; Valorous Unit Award; Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm; Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 Device; Valorous Unit Award and Gold Recruiting Badge with 3 Sapphire Achievement Star. He also served as a Recruiter Career Counselor in Macon, Warner Robins, and Griffin, from 1969-1978. Was selected for promotion to Sergeant Major but elected to retire due to family and health considerations. After retiring, he owned a tire business in Hampton. He was an exceptional husband, father and grandfather, and he will be missed greatly. He loved the outdoors, spending time gardening and was well known for his tomatoes. He also loved fishing, visiting his friends in Carrabelle, Florida, and doting on his grandchildren Ryan and Madeline. Funeral services for MSG US Army (Ret.) Billy W. Armistead will be conducted on Wednesday, March 10, 2010 at 2:00pm in the chapel of the Conner-Westbury Funeral Home. Pastor Tommy Powell will officiate. Interment will follow in the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Hampton, GA with full military honors. Friends may visit the family on Monday and Tuesday from 7:00pm until 9:00 pm.