James Clyde Armstrong

James Clyde Armstrong, 81, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Thursday, April 2, 2015 at his home in Wheelock, Texas. Visitation will be from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday at Memorial Funeral Chapel in Bryan. Funeral is set for 10:30 a.m. Wednesday in the Astin Chapel at Bryan City Cemetery. Clyde, as he was known by his loved ones, was born December 23, 1933 in Wheelock, Texas. He married the love of his life, Cecil Ann “Mickie” Hudetts on April 5, 1958.

He graduated from Texas A&M, where he was also a student teacher, with a Bachelor’s in Ag in 1955 & Civil Engineering in 1961, his Master’s in Civil Engineering in 1962 and his Doctorate in Philosophy in 1967. He was a professor at the University of Missouri at Rolla for three years. He then taught at the University of Arkansas for two years. He left teaching for a few years and during that time he worked for National Soils Inc., and had his own soil consulting business, Armstrong & Associates. Clyde’s love of teaching resulted in his decision to resume teaching and was hired by the University of Texas at Arlington. He retired from UTA in 1989. Upon his retirement, Clyde and Mickie returned to Wheelock where they have a ranch.

Clyde was an active member of Shiloh Baptist Church, pastored by Keith Petteway. He was also a member of several engineering organizations. He received numerous teaching awards from the colleges where he taught. Clyde dearly loved his family. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening and ranching.

He was preceded in death by his son, William Henry “Billy” Armstrong; and parents James B & Leafy (Lightsey) Armstrong.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Mickie Armstrong; son, Larry Armstrong & wife Brenda; daughter, Rebekah “Becky” O’Brien & husband Paul; granddaughters, Natalie Anderson & husband Jon and Brianna O’Brien; grandsons, David Armstrong & wife Andrea, Khayman Petrie, Patrick O’Brien, Liam O’Brien, Tiernan O’Brien and Michael O’Brien and great granddaughters, Kaylin & Lauren Anderson. He is also survived by his uncle, George Lightsey; aunt, Gladys Loehr and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shiloh Baptist Church in Franklin.