Joseph Gary Armstrong

JOSEPH GARY ARMSTRONG

Joseph Gary Armstrong, age 73, of Pulaski, Tennessee, departed this life on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at Huntsville Hospital.

Gary was born October 8, 1951, to George Joseph and Ruby Mae Armstrong in Sheffield, Alabama. He graduated from Sheffield High School in 1969 and earned a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Murray State University in 1972. From 1973 to 1976, he was a member of The United States Army Band “Pershing's Own” in Washington, D.C. While serving in the Army, he earned a Master of Music in Trumpet from Catholic University of America; then in 1981, he completed his Doctor of Musical Arts in Trumpet, also from Catholic University of America. He continued pursuing higher education at Middle Tennessee State University and earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science in 1985. 

From his very first encounter with a trumpet in grade school, Gary was a passionate and dedicated musician. He played trumpet in the Sheffield High School band. During his years at Murray State, he enjoyed playing in a Chicago cover band called “Clap Hands, Here Comes Charlie.” His professional career spanned many years and included performances with the Muscle Shoals Horns and multiple national and international tours with Mr. Jack Daniel’s Original Silver Cornet Band, Amy Grant, and Lyle Lovett. From 1987 to 2012, he was a member of the Nashville Symphony Orchestra and the Nashville Musicians Association Local #257.

Gary is survived by his wife of 45 years, Beth; four children: Emily Isley (Jason); Ashley Armstrong; John Armstrong (Anna); and Allison Rehnborg (Ryan); and six grandchildren: Griffin, Jack, and Ava Isley; Dorothy and Garrison Armstrong; and Naomi Rehnborg. He is also survived by brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, cousins, and several nieces and nephews. Gary was a doting grandfather and especially enjoyed playing with his grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his older sister, Carolyn A. O’Connor; and an infant brother.

A private graveside service will be held Sunday, December 8, at Shields Cemetery in Waynesboro, Tennessee. Flowers may be sent to Shackelford Funeral Home in Waynesboro, Tennessee, or donations may be made to a charity of your choice in loving memory of Gary.