Birth date: Apr 20, 1952 Death date: Jul 8, 2022
Stephen Arzie Armstrong, 70, of Garland, TX, passed away on July 8, 2022 from heart failure. Steve was born on April 20, 1952 to Arzie and Mary Armstrong in Dallas, TX. After graduating from South Garland High School in 1970, he Read Obituary
Condolences to all who knew and loved Steve. He was a treasure.
I am saddened to learn the passing of Dr. Armstrong. He was my doctoral advisor and professor. He was a loving and funny person with a soft heart. I remember him saying in class, he was doing what he was passionate about (teaching) and getting paid for it. He had tears in his eyes. He was one of the best professors I had. He was devoted to his career. His classes were really engaging and fun. I learned so much from him. He loved his family so much. He sometimes talked lovingly about them. I believe he is in a better place now.
Steve was my best friend from 1st through 7th grade in Garland. After my family moved to Sherman, I continued to visit Steve when I could. In high school, he drove an old Corsair that he had named Boris, I think after the Who's song Boris the Spider. I was with him one weekend when Boris was t-boned at an intersection. Steve and I were shaken but unscathed, but Boris was a mess.
Steve and I shared a love of music in the late 60s. We spent a lot of time discovering and listening to new music.
One night when I was visiting Steve on a weekend, we played Risk all night with a couple of Steve's friends, and we listened to the Doors' 2nd album all night. We would listen to Side One on repeat for a couple of hours, and then someone would get up and flip the record so that we could listen to Side Two for a while. And so on. By the time the night was over, that album was permanently burned into our brains.
Steve and I drove to Dallas one night to see 2001: A Space Odyssey for the first time. It was awesome. In the car to and from the movie, I played the album Victoria by the Kinks. Steve thought it was delightfully goofy, like something Frank Zappa would make.
Our friendship didn't survive going to different colleges. But I'll always remember the years when we were friends. Steve was a fun guy and a good friend. I'm sure his family misses him a lot.
Jeb Loveless
I hope this message reaches Steve’s family and loved ones - I learned sandtray therapy from him around 2017/2018 through his wonderful weekend trainings, and a few years later completed the supervision sessions with him to complete his sandtray credential. His teachings absolutely changed my life in how clearly he was able to communicate and put into action the art of lovingly guiding people in their emotional life. I healed so much personally through his trainings, gained wisdom about how to really help clients, and felt SO supported and encouraged as a young therapist by Dr. A. He had a way of making you think and reflect while still feeling fully supported and respected as an individual. I cannot tell you how rare that is and how lucky I feel that I got to benefit from knowing him and receiving his mentorship. I’m hoping for peace for all his loved ones knowing how beautifully he lived his purpose, and healing for the pain of this loss. Sincerely - Laura B.
Dr. Armstrong trained me in SandTray Therapy in 2012. He was gracious enough to let me interview him for my thesis. I enjoyed meeting him, and learning from him. I am saddened to learn of his death. Condolences to the family.
Steve trained me in Sandtray therapy in 2013/14, which I use for trauma. He was a phenomenal teacher, encourager, and role model. I am blessed to have known him and stayed in touch with him for years after. He enriched my life personally and professionally. He was the epidomy of kindness.
Steve lit up like a joyous Christmas tree whenever he saw Debbie, throughout his life. His smile and embracing heart are enduring memories for me. I know his memory is and will be a gift and blessing to his family and all of us who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.
My enduring love and respect, Laraine Crampton
To me, Steve is what a teacher is - always ready to seize the moment to part knowledge and to connect classroom materials to everyday routine living issues. He was a mentor par excellence and a great advocate for his academic student advisees. He was generous with his wisdoms, reliable and dependable colleague. He will be greatly missed.
Dr. Zaidy MohdZain
I was lucky enough to have Dr. Armstrong as a professor. His kindness and compassion along with his endless encouragement was evident in every encounter. He made an everlasting impact on me as well as so many others. I was blessed to have known him.
I only knew Dr. Armstrong for less than a year as a colleague; however, I remember our talks and his gentle personality. I wish I had more time to get to know him. He will be deeply missed. He and his family our in my thoughts and prayers.
Devlin Family
