Edward Armstead Jr's Obituary
Mr. Edward "Alabama" Armstead Jr.
On a cool day in November, the 20th to be exact the year was 1942 in Mulga, Alabama, Edward Armstead Jr. was born to Viola and Edward Armstead Sr. He was the eldest of his nine siblings. He was affectionately known as Jr. to his family, Alabama to his friends, and back in the day Eddie Hill to his fans...
Edward Jr. Spent his formative years in the Mulga school system attending both Mulga Elementary and Westfield High School. After High School, Edward Jr. did a short stint of 18 months in the United States Army. Upon leaving the Army he relocated with his family to Detroit, MI. There he met and married Elaine Thomas, they were blessed with six beautiful children. He was employed at the Budd Plant where the body of the iconic two seat Ford Thunderbird was built and assembled.
Edward Jr. Accepted Christ in his early years. He also realized that he could sing! He loved performing and recorded several songs including “Baby I Cried” and “Nothing Sweeter.” Check them out on Youtube (Eddie Hill).
In his latter years he made Tacoma, Washington his home. While there the singing bug bit him again! He began singing karaoke at Oaktree Food and Drink Company in Lakewood, Washington where he became a Regular and a Favorite!
After a brief illness, the Lord called him home on Thursday October 3, 2019 at 12:09 PM in Virginia Mason Hospital Seattle, Washington. He was preceded in death by his parents Viola and Edward Sr., two brothers Marvin and Melvin, sister Arwilda, as well as a son named Mark.
Cherishing his memory and celebrating his life are six loving children La-Brenda Armstead, Terrence (LaTesa) Thomas- Armstead, Pastor Edward (Veronica) Armstead III, Pastor D’Andre (Akowa) Armstead Sr., Sharon Armstead, and Dion Armstead; 13 Grandchildren, Bianca (Keavon) Howard Sr., William Batchelor, Tyree Engram, Latyra Engram, Victoria Armstead, D’Von Armstead, Tamilia Armstead, D’Andre Armstead Jr., Kareem Ford, Latiece Hall, Antonio Hall, Sharrice Edwards and Sharnice Edwards; 14 Great-Grandchildren; 2 Brothers Steven Armstead, Kenneth (Sheila) Armstead, 3 Sisters Sandra J. Banks, Lois Tims and Irma Fuller; a host of Nieces, Nephews, Great Nieces, Great Neohews, Cousins, His Oaktree Family and too many Friends to name!
A visitation will be held at Mountain View Funeral Home in Lakewood, WA on Friday, October 11, 2019 from 12 PM until 8 PM.
Edward's Homegoing Celebration will take place at the Oak Tree Food and Drink on Saturday, October 12, 2019 at 2 PM.
In lieu of monetary donations, the family is requesting flowers be sent to Mountain View Funeral Home prior to the visitation.
If you have any photos or videos that you would like to contribute to the service, please email them to both [email protected] and [email protected]
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