Stephen Arzie Armstrong's Obituary
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 attended the University of North Texas, where he earned his B.A. in Counseling. He went on to earn his Master’s degree in Counseling as well as become a Licensed Professional Counselor. Steve worked as an elementary school counselor for 18 years, while also maintaining a private practice counseling children and adults. He went on to earn his Ph.D. in Counseling. He served as a professor at Texas A&M Commerce beginning in 2002.
During his tenure as a professor, he taught classes to graduate students, including observing doctoral students. He pioneered a new approach to using sand tray therapy in counseling children and adults. He published a book on this method and trained fellow counselors throughout the U.S., as well as in Taiwan and Australia.
Steve was a music lover and music maker: singing, playing guitar and piano, and writing many songs. He enjoyed playing chess and watching the Cowboys. He loved to laugh. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.
Steve is preceded in death by his mother, Mary Riddle. He is survived by his wife, Debbie; his sisters, Kim, Lisa, and Stacy; his children, Erin, David, and Adam; and his 6 grandchildren, Timothy, James, Rachel, Katherine, Rhema, and Ezra.
Celebration of Life Service for Stephen Arzie Armstrong will be Sunday, July 17, 2022 at 2:00 PM in the Memorial Chapel at Restland Funeral Home.
Funeral arrangements for Stephen Arzie Armstrong have been faithfully entrusted to Restland Funeral Home and Cemetery, which is located at 13005 Greenville Ave., at the intersection of Restland Road, Dallas, Texas 75243, and can be reached at (972) 238-7111.
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