Gerald Lee Armstrong, Sr., age 80, passed away peacefully on August 26, 2025. He was born to Wilbur and Lottie Armstrong on August 31, 1944, in Graceville, Florida. Gerald later moved to Southport and then settled in Panama City, where he spent most of his life.

A proud graduate of Bay High School, Class of 1962, Gerald continued his education at Gulf Coast Community College, earning his Associate of Arts degree in Aviation Business Administration. He proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1962 to 1965.

Gerald's entrepreneurial spirit and lifelong love of aviation led him to open the Hobby Hanger in the 1970s, where he shared his passion for building and flying model airplanes. He was also an avid car enthusiast, taking part in the Sons of the Beach and Emerald Coast Cruiser car shows and cruises. In his later working years, Gerald found joy as a skilled cabinet maker. He loved spending time in his wood shop, carefully crafting furniture and building special pieces for his family. He especially loved dancing with his friends, listening to music, and simply being with those he loved.

A man of deep faith, Gerald was a devoted member of First Baptist Church of Panama City, where he served faithfully for many years. He was predeceased by his parents, Wilbur and Lottie Armstrong; the love of his life, Dottie Armstrong, who he was married to for 35 years; his youngest son, Charles Derrick Armstrong; and his brothers Rex Armstrong and Wade Armstrong.

Gerald is survived by his son, G. Lee Armstrong, Jr. and wife Regina; his stepchildren John W. Whited, IV and wife Leslie; James R. Whited and wife Denise; Tori Penny and husband Mill; Kristi M. Wolfe and husband Spencer; and his sister, Joyce Baxley and her husband Johnny. He will be lovingly remembered by his grandchildren Mason Armstrong (Erin), Jordan Dimiceli (Caleb), Tres Penny (Katie), Christian Penny, Brandon Romines (Amanda), Adam Whited (Lexi), Luke Whited, Noah Whited, Sadie Wolfe, Spencer Wolfe, II, and his great grandchildren Evelyn "Evie" Penny, Adelynn and Luca Dimiceli.

A service celebrating Gerald's life will be held on August 29, 2025, at Wilson's Funeral Home, with a viewing at 1:00 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 2:00 p.m. and interment at Greenwood Cemetery. Friends and family are invited to attend and honor his memory.

The family wishes to extend a special thanks to the nurses, staff, therapists, and technicians at Clifford Chester Sims State Veterans Nursing Home for giving Gerald a loving home for the past two years.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Clifford Chester Sims State Veterans Nursing Home.