Christopher Lloyd Armentrout

Christopher Lloyd Armentrout, 80, of Spotsylvania County passed away early Sunday morning, June 6, 2021 at his home, after a battle with Parkinson’s disease and brain cancer.

Chris was born into humble beginnings near the small town of Whitmer, West Virginia. He grew up surrounded by a family who taught him the value of togetherness, looking out for each other, and a deep concern for others. A graduate of Harman High School, Chris served in the U.S. Army in Germany for three years in tank infantry. He worked at General Motors as a proud UAW member and auto assembler for over 34 years. He loved the cool crisp air and scenery of the WVA mountains and was known by many in the neighborhood as “Mr. Fix It” although he claimed being a jack of all trades and master of none. A fan of the Indianapolis Colts, preferring the Baltimore variety with Johnny U; Chris was also a self-taught “musician" on the harmonica, organ, and guitar. He enjoyed the classic John Wayne and Clint Eastwood westerns, Steve McQueen in Sand Pebbles and Peter Sellers in the Pink Panther. He had an affinity for the music of Fats Domino, Neil Diamond, and Andrea Bocelli. Chris enjoyed his favorite foods to his final days: French fries, milkshakes, and his wife’s home-cooking. He so adored spending time with his grandsons whom he nicknamed "the knot heads". How precious each of them is he said, and how proud to see the fine young men they were becoming. Above all, his love and commitment to the Lord was most important, he preferred living a sermon than just hearing one. He always provided well for his family, his calloused hands showing a life of hard work. His life reflected small, seldom seen by many, acts of help and service to those in need, and his example instilled the Golden Rule into his sons and grandsons.

He is survived by his wife, care giver, and inseparable companion of nearly 56 years Babs Armentrout of Spotsylvania; three grateful men who remain honored to be called his sons, Thom (Zachary) Armentrout of Stafford, Tim (Laura) Armentrout of Spotsylvania, and Bill Armentrout of Spotsylvania; three grandsons Riley Armentrout, Mason Armentrout, and Wyatt Armentrout who will miss their “G Dad”; six brothers Neil Armentrout, Freddie Armentrout, Monroe Armentrout, Ronnie Armentrout, Junior Hedrick, and Scott Hedrick; one sister Molly Teter; and many nieces and nephews.

Chris is preceded in death by his mom Evelyn “Maw” Hedrick, his dad Fred "Pap" Armentrout, his brother Clint Nelson, and his sister Dolly Cooper.

The family wishes to thank Deborah, Jan, Bertie, and the many often nameless others from Mary Washington Hospital Hospice for their kindness, encouragement, and selflessness shown during Chris’s care at home. Babs wishes to thank Dr. Visioni for his gentle manner, and his honest and caring attitude throughout.

The hope of the resurrection is a future one. But God did not leave us without a witness to that future. The resurrection of Jesus is our resurrection. His victory is our hope. His empty tomb is the promise of our own.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice Support Care, 2300 Fall Hill Ave, Suite 401, Fredericksburg, VA 22401.