Obituary of David Dudley Mitchell Armistead

David Dudley Mitchell Armistead passed away on October 29, 2017, at the age of 97. David was a longtime resident of Lynchburg, VA, and lived in Virginia Beach for the last 15 years. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 67 years, Bernice. Survivors include David and Bernice's four children and their families: D. Dudley Armistead, Jr. and his wife Deborah, of Chesapeake, VA, and their children, Keller and David and his wife, Nicole; Nancy Schanzlin and her husband David, of San Diego, CA, and their children, Meredith Packer and her husband Stephen, Michael and his wife Robyn, and Matthew and his wife Alexis; Linda Brown of Chesterfield, VA, and her daughter, Kathleen Kostandin and her husband Paul; Keith Armistead and his wife Ann, of Virginia Beach, VA, and their children, Elizabeth and Samuel; and five great-grandchildren, Daniel and Charlotte Packer, Hunter and Reed Schanzlin, and David John Schanzlin. David was born in Richmond on December 23, 1919. His family moved to Lynchburg when he was very young, where he resided until 2002. He then moved to Virginia Beach with his wife, Bernice. David volunteered for combat duty in the Army during World War II, where he served with distinction as First Lieutenant in the 78th Infantry Division. He earned the Bronze Star Medal for heroism and saw extensive action in the European Theater. He also earned the Combat Infantry Badge and three Campaign Medals for the Rhineland, Ardennes, and Central Europe Campaign; the European, African, and Middle Eastern Campaign, and the American Campaign. He remained in Berlin after VE Day as part of the Army of Occupation, serving in support of the Four Power High Command. David was transferred to the Army Reserve in 1946. David was a dedicated and respected member of the Lynchburg business community. Shortly after graduating from E. C. Glass High School in 1938, he joined Lynchburg National Bank and Trust Company, which eventually became part of Central Fidelity Bank. He retired in 1985 from Central Fidelity as Senior Vice President and Manager of the bank's main office in Lynchburg. A graduate of the Stonier Graduate School of Banking at Rutgers University, and a key member in local and state professional banking associations, David was involved in the banking industry for over 44 years. David was also dedicated to the Lynchburg community. He was a devoted member of Centenary United Methodist Church and its Wesleyan Adult Class; was deeply involved with YMCA, Salvation Army, Boy Scouts, United Way, and Junior Achievement programs; and served in numerous leadership positions in the Lynchburg Retail Merchants Association and The Chamber of Commerce. David's greatest joy was being the best husband, son, father, and grandfather he could be. He was a wonderful mentor and role model for his family, friends, and his associates. His undying faith, strength of character, and gentle kindness touched all who knew him throughout his long life. He was truly loved and will be greatly missed. Services for Mr. Armistead will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 18, 2017 at Centenary United Methodist Church, 1501 Rivermont Avenue, Lynchburg, VA 24503. The family will receive visitors between 1:00-1:30 p.m. on November 18, 2017 in the church parlor. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Centenary United Methodist Church.