William "Rick" Armstrong, 67, passed away peacefully at the U.K. Medical Center in Lexington on November 21, 2023. Rick was the devoted husband of Kathy Adams Armstrong, loving father of Chase Armstrong, and proud grandfather of Samuel Duke Armstrong and Hudson Chase Armstrong.

Born to Fredia Adkins and Clester L "Booge" Armstrong on February 7, 1956, Rick was a lifelong native of Morehead, KY.  He was a 1974 graduate of Rowan Co. High School and a 1978 graduate of Morehead State University, where he was an active member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. Upon graduation of National Hardwood Lumber Association in 1979, where he served as class President, Rick returned home to become co-owner and operator of Homer Gregory Lumber Company for nearly 50 years.

A steadfast advocate of his community, Rick served in leadership roles on many boards and associations, including the Regional U.S. Bank Advisory Board, Morehead State University Foundation Board of Trustees, Chairman of the Board for the Kentucky Forestry Association, and Chairman of the Board of the Appalachian Lumbermen's Association. Family and friends have countless memories of Rick in a variety of settings. Whether you met Rick at a party, on the golf course, in a board room, or on a sideline, you were guaranteed a profound conversation on literature, music, sports, or history. Rick had a beautiful gift for making memorable and genuine connections with his friends and family. It's likely you are reading this and smiling as you remember a chat with Rick. Perhaps he educated you on the fundamentals of Winston Churchill, explained the fine art of grilling, or dove deeply into an analysis of a Bob Dylan classic; regardless of your conversation, you knew he was fully present, and you walked away from the conversation feeling better.

As much time and attention Rick focused toward his son, Chase and his friends, nieces, and nephews, no one captured his love like his grandsons, Hudson and Duke. Of all his accomplishments, being a Pappy was his crowning achievement. The boys were blessed with a Pappy who never missed a piano recital, ballgame, or birthday party. Rick's legacy of wisdom and dependability will forever be valued and remembered by his loved ones.

Rick is survived by his high school sweetheart and loving wife of 41 years, Kathy Adams Armstrong, whom he wed October 7, 1982, their son, Harrison Chase Armstrong (Kimmy Alderman) of Clearfield and his precious grandsons, Hudson and Duke.

Other survivors include his mother, Freida Armstrong of Clearfield; two brothers, Butch Armstrong (Debbie), Stefan Armstrong (Anna), all of Morehead; two sisters, Debbie Mikell (Larry) of Lucasville, Ohio, and Yvonne Bradley of Morehead; one sister-in-law, Susan Armstrong of Morehead. His brothers-in-law, Kenny Adams and Chuck Adams (Teresa) will greatly miss Rick, in addition to his many nieces and nephews, of whom he was always proud. Rick leaves behind many, many close friends whom he always considered his family.

Rick was preceded in death by his father, Clester L. Armstrong; brother, Preston Armstrong, and brother-in-law, Rick Bradley.

Visitation for Rick Armstrong will be from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday, November 27, 2023, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals, 400 Fraley Drive, Morehead, KY 40351.  A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please honor the memory of Rick by donating to a charity of your choice, reading a historical biography, listening to your favorite album (of course, Dylan is preferred), or enjoying a bottle of Caymus.

Sign guestbook or view memorial tribute at www.northcuttandson.com