Obituary
Lee Harold Armstrong
1941-2019
Dr. Lee Harold Armstrong of Winter Springs, Florida was born June 13, 1941 and went to be with the Lord on June 14, 2019 at the age of 78 after battling cancer. Lee was born in Bad Axe, Michigan, and during his middle school years he and hisfamily moved to Sarasota, Florida. Lee was an excellent student and loved mathematics. With that in mind, he decided to combine his love of mathematics and teaching to pursue his career in education. He graduated from Sarasota High School and went on to earn his B.A., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees from Florida State University. Lee excelled in college and was a member of several national academic honor societies including Phi Beta Kappa.
In 1968, as a charter faculty member, Lee began his life long career as an Associate Professor of Mathematics at the University of Central Florida (formerly Florida Technological University). Lee taught at UCF for 37 years and served his last ten years as Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. Lee also wrote several mathematics textbooks during his academic career. Over the years, Lee received numerous honors including “Excellence in Teaching” from UCF multiple years. In 1999, he received the Distinguished Service Award from Florida Section of the Mathematical Association of America. This honor recognized Lee for his work in cultivating mathematics in the state of Florida. Lee served as both Governor and President of the Florida Section and served on numerous committees. Lee was awarded Membership in “The Quill” UCF-Distinguished Author 1990. In 2004-2005, Lee was invited to teach at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs as a Distinguished Visiting Professor. In 2005, upon his retirement, Lee was awarded Professor Emeritus from University of Central Florida.
Lee met the love of his life, Alice, in 1975, and they were married for 43 years. They had a beautiful daughter, Jennifer, who was the apple of Lee’s eye. Lee was also an amazing step-father to Christy, Lisa, and David. Lee and Alice enjoyed traveling together over the years. Some of their favorite trips were to Ireland, Alaska, Israel and a European river cruise. Together they enjoyed summers on Prince Edward Island and spending time with their “Canada Family”. Lee and Alice especially enjoyed June trips with the kids and grandchildren to New Smyrna Beach.
Lee was a gentle, kind, and caring man. He was gifted in listening to others and helping with a willing heart. He was a Stephen Minister, an active member of Tuskawilla Presbyterian Church. He volunteered at Buddy Break at Nathaniel’s Hope and as a tutor at Edgewood Children’s Ranch, and he went on many world mission trips. He served others in so many ways. Lee had many hobbies. He enjoyed gardening, spending time in the mountains, and being at the beach. Lee enjoyed challenges and setting goals. He loved running, cycling, and fitness activities. He ran many races, including a marathon, and cycled 274 kilometers across PEI to raise funds for Cystic Fibrosis.
Lee is preceded in death by his wife, Alice Armstrong, parents, Ethel and Harold Armstrong, brother, Bill Armstrong, sister, Pauline Adams, brother, Jim Armstrong, and sister, Shirley Heinemann.
Lee is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer and Aaron McKinney; stepdaughter, Christy Horsburgh; stepdaughter and son-in-law, Lisa and Philip Carrington, stepson and daughter-in-law, David and Jill Horsburgh. Lee “Papa” is survived by eight adoring grandchildren: Caroline and Cullen Guglielmo, Emily Carrington, Jamie Gray, Ava Horsburgh, Benjamin Horsburgh, Jude McKinney and Lola McKinney. Lee is also survived by his sister, Mary Lou Greenway and many nieces and nephews that were dearly loved by Lee.
A Celebration of Life will be Friday, June 21, 2019 at 2:00 at
Tuskawilla Presbyterian Church
3600 Aloma Avenue
Oviedo, FL 32765
In lieu of flowers, if friends desire, contributions may be sent to
Edgewood Children’s Ranch
1451 Edgewood Ranch Rd
Orlando, FL 32835
Or at www.edgewoodranch.com
Or “Buddy Break” at www.nathanielshope.org
I will miss seeing Lee come by my house next door in the little antique car on the way to the beach or just waving on his way to town. I could hear him leaving early for a tee off at his favourite golf course, and coming home to start on another job, whether is was fixing something that didn't get fixed the year before or mowing his lawn to show off to all the beautiful view he and Ali called home every summer - and why wouldn't they - it is a spectacular view of the bay where they ran the "Dunes View B&B" for years.
I will surely miss him.
To Lee's family - my heart goes out to you. Such sorrow you have been through these past couple of months. I hope you will draw on the strength Ali and Lee gave you to get through this time, and know that they are together now, in God's hands, and although they are not here on earth - will always be part of you in your hearts and memories.
Marina Blanchard
I was always in awe to saw Lee doing what he could with the old farm house Ali's dad had bought over 30 years ago, and fixing what he didn't get done the year before. He had fun doing it, as well as planting his garden, and cutting the lawn to show off the beautiful view they had at the "Dunes View B&B".
Lee always had a smile and waved to everyone as he drove by in antique car, or a wink when he passed by the yard on his lawn mower. I could hear him drive up the drive after an early morning tee off at his favourite golf course, and taking Ali out for a drive, or go just go for a walk on the beach.
You could tell how much Lee and Ali truly loved each other and although they are not on earth, it is comforting to know they are together again - in God's hands.
To Lee's family, my heart goes out to you all. May you feel the strength they gave you to keep going, in the next months, and years and know how much they loved you all.
Marina Blanchard
My last visit to their summer home was a time of hospitality and spiritual sharing!
Rest In Peace forever. My sympathy to Jennifer and family!