Brian G Armstrong

Brian Gary Armstrong, age 74, husband of Carol Armstrong, died on May 26th. Brian was Professor Emeritus of History at Georgia State University in Atlanta where he taught from 1967 to 1998. Born on a farm near Guys Mills, PA to Raymond and Donna (Winans) Armstrong, he possessed a deep devotion to his family and lifelong love for books, sports, and the outdoors. Rooted in his deep faith, Brian was beloved for his generous compassion, his sense of humor, his gentleness, and his unique blend of great learning and genuine simplicity.

Brian was a graduate of Houghton College, Gordon-Conwell Seminary, and Princeton Theological Seminary. An historian of early-modern Europe, he wrote and published extensively, was active in numerous professional societies and loved to teach. In addition to his service as Professor, Department Chair and Assistant Dean at Georgia State University, Brian was also elected President of the Calvin Studies Society, the Sixteenth Century Studies Society, and the International Congress for Calvin Research. Throughout his career, Brian balanced his commitment to his teaching and his students at Georgia State with an active involvement in scholarly research and travel and dialogue with beloved colleagues around the world.

Brian was a longtime elder and Sunday school teacher at Chapel Woods Presbyterian Church in Decatur, GA. He loved to coach youth basketball and may have been happiest on his many camping trips with his family enjoying the beauty of creation. In addition to his wife of 52 years, Brian is survived by his two sons, Brett (Leslie) Armstrong and Curt (Anne-Christine) Armstrong, two brothers Kent (Ramona) Armstrong, Larry (Nancy) Armstrong, a sister, Bonnie (David) Montgomery and seven grandchildren. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, June 2nd at 2:00 at McConnell Memorial Baptist church in Hiawassee, GA with Donald Pickerill presiding. Special music will be provided by Bob Shepherd, Patsy Daniel and Syler, Samantha & Larson Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to L'Arche Atlanta (www.friendsoflarcheatlanta.org) or Regency Hospice (PO Box 494 Hiawassee 30546) in Brian's name. Banister Funeral home in Hiawassee, GA is in charge of arrangements.