Joel Wayne Armstrong

A true Tallahassee good ol' boy, Joel enjoyed watersports, traveling, good stories, catching rays, & bad SciFi. Kayaking, neurolinguistic programming, food festivals, and Bigfoot also held a special place in his heart. Most of all, by far, he loved his family. His impact on his children was profound, as he wholeheartedly supported their interests, loved them unconditionally, and worked tirelessly to secure their futures.

Many will remember Joel for his work as a substance abuse therapist who changed countless lives and families for the better. Backed by a sincere drive to rehabilitate addicts, his method of counseling was efficient, personal, and with good humor. He was consulted and respected by coworkers and college professors alike for his depth of knowledge of substance abuse treatment and human nature. He endeared himself to all by his great character, honesty, and ability to listen. While offering continued assistance to former clients, he spent his last 15 years prior to retirement supporting his family in the employ of the Substance Abuse Program at the Florida Department of Children and Families. When not hard at work as State Methadone Authority, his office could be found by the sound of laughter.

After natural causes landed him in hospice, Joel expressed his love for those he was leaving behind before peacefully passing away in his sleep, surrounded by family. His final days mirrored his life in their stoic and lighthearted nature. He optimistically joked about his ‘dirt-nap’ and entertained himself at the expense of visitors and nurses by faking death. He will be missed with a passion by all whose lives he touched.

Joel attended Kate Sullivan, Cobb, Leon, and FSU and held a Masters in Rehabilitation Services. He is survived by his wife Patricia Armstrong, son Jacob Armstrong, daughters Jenna Armstrong and Erin Michelle Smith, son-in-law Ryan Smith, granddaughter Ella Ryan Smith, and faithful dogs, Mojo and Zeke. His friends were legion.

A celebration of Joel’s life will be held at the American Legion Hall at Lake Ella, Saturday, December 6th, 2 PM. In his memory, please consider donating to the Sierra Club.