Woodson Leroy Armstead Sr. of Wake went to be with the Lord on Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023.
Woodson is survived by his wife of 69 years, Virginia Armstead; children, Chuck Armstead, Gina Bartle (Barry); seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren, two step great-grandchildren; and three step great-great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his son, Joey Armstead; stepson, Dave Hayden; and step granddaughter, Mandy Hayden. Woodson was the second to the youngest of seven children, all of whom preceded him in death.
Woodson was born on June 23, 1932 in Wake to Willie and Louise Mitchum Armstead.
As a boy, he would go oystering with his father on the Rappahannock River, where he grew to love the river life. He continued to fish and crab until he was 88 years old. As well as oystering, he retired from the paper mill in West Point. He worked for the Middlesex County wetlands board 20-plus years until his death.
As well as his family, he loved his church family, where he was a deacon and choir member for many years at Harmony Grove Baptist church.
A celebration of his life is planned for Oct. 7 at Harmony Grove Baptist Church in Topping. Visitation will be 1-2 p.m. and the service will be 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Harmony Grove Baptist Church hospitality fund.
