Joe Kendall Armstrong, age 91, of Englewood, Tennessee, passed away on October 21, 2026, at Willow Acres in Riceville, Tennessee. Kendall was born on July 5, 1935, and was the son of Robert and Elsie Ledford Armstrong.

Kendall was the youngest of eight children and was the “baby brother” to his seven sisters. Kendall was a beloved husband to Doris McConnell Armstrong for 73 years, a devoted father to Sharen, Karen, Terry, and Doug, and a loving grandfather to seven grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildrenwho knew him as Papaw Kendall. Throughout his life, he gave generously his time and enthusiasm to youth sports, Tennessee Walking Horses, his family, and his church.

Kendall attended Englewood Elementary School and graduated from Englewood High School. He went on to work for 47 years at Mayfield Dairy in Athens, Tennessee as Lab Supervisor and finished his career as Production Supervisor. His career was an important part of his life, and after retirement he returned to assist in opening a new plant in Braselton, Georgia.

A longtime supporter of young athletes, Kendall coached youth sports through the Englewood Youth Program for many years. He also coached his daughters on the Athens Mustangs softball team. He was a familiar and enthusiastic presence at sporting events, attending basketball, football, and baseball games at Central High School from its beginning in 1967. He also supported his children and grandchildren attending events at Central High School, McMinn County High School, Tennessee Wesleyan University, Cleveland State Community College, and Middle Tennessee State University. He took great pleasure in cheering on his family and supporting the teams and athletes he cared about. In 2025, the Town of Englewood honored Kendall with the Englewood Volunteer Service Award.

As a young man, Kendall trained and showed Tennessee Walking Horses with his lifelong friend and brother-in-law Kenny Dickson. He remained involved with the horses and the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration in Shelbyville for more than 60 years. He also served as a judge in one class at the National Celebration.

Kendall was an active member of Englewood United Methodist Church for more than 71 years. His church was a longstanding part of his life, and he loved his church family dearly.

During retirement, Kendall and Doris continued to enjoy attending sporting events, watching the Braves and Vols on television, and reading about sports in the newspaper. One of Kendall’s greatest joys was his morning breakfast with a close group of friends, where there was always plenty of good conversation and laughter. He and Doris traveled whenever they could with close friends Harlan and Annette Brock, and Kendall looked forward to weekly horseback trail rides with his friends.

Kendall is survived by his wife, Doris; his children and spouses, Sharen Ray (David), Karen Clark, Terry Armstrong (Pat), and Doug Armstrong (Melody); 6 grandchildren and spouses, Jessica Miller (Larry), Candace Young (Kevin), Matthew Ray (Jennifer), Adam Ray (Katie), Ryan Armstrong (Christy), and Hailey Gaskin (Tyler); and twelve great-grandchildren, Jayden, Cameron, and Addie Miller; Brody and Grayson Young; Maddox, Mason, and Reese Ray; Stori Gaskin; Ellis, Truett, and Leo Armstrong. Kendall’s sister Bobbie Armstrong Dickson visits with Kendall and Doris every Sunday after Church.

The family wishes to recognize Candace Armstrong Young for her special role as caregiver and Jerry Armstrong as a special cousin. The family would also like to thank Gary Cline for being Kendall’s “special church friend”.

Kendall was preceded in death by his parents, six sisters, one son-in-law: Tommy Clark, and one granddaughter: Alisha Clark.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 25, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at Smith Funeral Home in Athens, TN. Graveside services will be held on Monday, October 26 at 11:00a.m.,with Angela Akers (Kendall’s pastor) and Ryan Armstrong officiating. Interment will follow at McMinn Memory Gardens in Athens.

Doris asks that “in lieu of flowers,”memorial contributions be made to Englewood United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 146, Englewood, Tennessee 37329.

Pallbearers: Chris Pickel, Matthew Ray, Adam Ray, Ryan Armstrong, Tyler Gaskin, and Jayden Miller

Smith Funeral & Cremation Services of Athens is honored to serve the family of Joe Kendall Armstrong