Tommie Lee Armstrong

Tommie Lee Armstrong, 93, of Carterville, passed away Saturday, July 20, 2024, at the Illinois Veterans Home at Anna, surrounded by his family.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 31, 2024, at Riggin-Pillatsch & Burke Funeral Home in Carterville, with Pastor Matt Brown officiating. Burial with military rites will be at Hillcrest Cemetery in Carterville. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at the funeral home. Please wear your favorite Carterville Lions spirit wear to support the family.

Memorial contributions can be made to the First Christian Church of Carterville Building Fund.

Tommie was born February 21, 1931, in Carterville, to Tommie Green and Grace Mae (Hadfield) Armstrong. He married Mary Jane Venable on April 25, 1951, in Carterville. She preceded him in death on October 11, 2010.

He is survived by his son, Thomas Armstrong; daughters, Eunice (Bill) Lantagne and Sara (Bob) Johnston; grandchildren, Dawn (Brandon) Hurst, Cory (Victoria) Johnston, Shawn (Charity) Lantagne, and Kelly Jo (Josh) Webb; great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn Pinkston, Sadie Lantagne, Kameron Hurst, Reddik Lantagne; sisters-in-law, Cora Taylor and Sharon Venable; cousins, Jim (Lynn) Stocks and Tim (Melissa) Stocks; and many nieces and nephews.

Tommie was preceded in death by his parents; wife; step-father, Wayne Sizemore; daughter, Elizabeth Lou Armstrong; and brothers-in-law, Bill Venable and Myron Taylor.

He honorably served our country in the United States Navy during the Korean War.

He was a faithful member of the First Christian Church of Carterville as well as a member of the Masonic Lodge.

Mr. Armstrong’s extensive career began at Carterville in the 1957-1958 school year as a 5th grade teacher and assistant boys’ basketball coach. The following school year, he was named the head basketball coach of the Carterville Junior High team and continued teaching 5th grade. In 1971, Mr. Armstrong was named as the Principal of the Junior High, a role in which he served until 1991. During his tenure, he added the role of Head basketball, softball and track coach, later serving as the first Unit #5 Athletic Director and Freshman Basketball Coach.  Mr. Armstrong wore many hats over the years—from driving the morning bus run to helping out with custodial duties if needed. His outstanding achievements included: District Representative of the IADA, chosen as the Class A Outstanding Athletic Director of the year for 1985-1986 and 1990-1991, began the girl’s athletic program, saw the renovation of both the baseball and football fields, directed Carterville Little League baseball for 14 years as well as directing several IHSA basketball tournaments and state football playoffs. Mr. Armstrong’s overall coaching record reflects 8 Conference Championships, 6 Conference Tournaments, and 1 team that went to the state conference. Much of Carterville’s athletic success is due to Mr. Armstrong’s dedication and hard work. Mr. Armstrong was a dedicated Carterville Lions fan.

Tommie enjoyed fishing and hunting in his earlier days.  He established a family tradition of going to Ellis Park in Henderson, Kentucky, to watch the horse races, every year—a tradition that continues today.  

In September 2017, it became evident that Thomas, Eunice, and Sara could no longer care for their dad at home. He was admitted into Manor Court in Carbondale until April 2018, when he transferred to the Anna Veteran’s Home where he received exceptional care for over 6 years. Many staff members became family to him. Tom’s family would like to express their deepest gratitude for the love and care that was shown to him by so many. You all will have a special place in our hearts.

Tommie Armstrong will leave an everlasting legacy and will be missed by many.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Tommie Lee Armstrong, please visit our floral store.