Robert Anthony Armistead, 91, of Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on September 9, 2026.
Robert was born in Montgomery, Alabama, and later moved with his family to Mobile, Alabama. He went on to attend Auburn University, where music became an important part of his college experience. He played the clarinet in the Auburn University Marching Band, earning the distinguished honor of First Chair Clarinet. His love for Auburn and its music program remained with him throughout his life, as he continued to play in the Auburn Alumni Band for many years. He was a devoted Auburn football fan and never missed an opportunity to cheer on his Tigers.
Later, Robert married the love of his life, Martha, beginning a marriage that would span more than six decades. Together, they built a beautiful life and raised four wonderful children. Family was the center of Robert's world, and the life he and Martha created together would be his greatest accomplishment and greatest source of pride and joy,
Robert and Martha endured the heartbreaking loss of their oldest son, Tony, a loss no parent should ever have to bear. He carried Tony's memory with him always, while continuing to be a source of strength, love and devotion to his family. Robert and Martha's faith became a source of strength and comfort, growing even stronger through their loss and sustaining them in the years that followed.
Robert built a distinguished career spanning approximately 45 years in hospital administration, serving in executive leadership roles throughout the Southeast. Even after retiring, his expertise was called upon when a hospital system in Kentucky faced serious financial and possible closure. Robert came out of retirement and played an instrumental role in helping save the system, preserving the healthcare for the Appalachian communities that depended on it. It was one of the clearest examples of the way he lived his life: when people needed help, he showed up.
The desire to help others extended throughout every part of Robert's life. He gave generously of his time to his community, serving as President of the Jaycees and was honored for his leadership and service by being selected as one of the Outstanding Young Men of America. He held numerous professional and community leadership positions. For approximately 20 years, he volunteered his time coaching youth football and also coached girls' softball, receiving Coach of the Year honors multiple times.
Robert could build or fix just about anything. Even at 84, he renovated an entire bathroom by himself.
Tennis was another passion. Robert captained his Senior Men's tennis team for many years and continued playing three days a week until the age of 88. He treasured the friendships that tennis brought him.
Some of Robert's happiest of times were spent making memories with his family. Including traveling across the United States in their RV. His wife, children and grandchildren were always his greatest source of pride and joy.
Robert was hardworking, loyal, and deeply compassionate. He was never too busy to help someone. His family heard the same sentiment from people throughout his life: Robert was simply one of the nicest people you could ever meet.
He was funny. Robert kept his quick wit and wonderful sense of humor until the very end, still finding ways to make his family smile and laugh during his final days.
Robert leaves behind far more than a lifetime of accomplishments. His legacy lives on in the family he loved so deeply, in the values he instilled in them, and the countless memories they will carry with them forever. His kindness, compassion, humor, and willingness to always lend a hand will be remembered by everyone fortunate to have known him.
Robert is survived by his beloved wife, Martha; daughter, Alison McKenzie (Tann), grandchildren, Tyler and Kaitlyn; son, Mark Armistead (Ruth), grandchildren, Chloe and Conner; daughter, Julie Cape (Wayne), grandchildren, Travis, Missy and Hayden.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that those wishing to honor Robert's memory please consider a donation to the Tim Tebow Foundation, whose mission is bringing faith, hope and love to those in need. https://timtebowfoundation.org/
In celebration of Robert's life and his lifelong love of Auburn, the family encourages guests to wear navy blue and orange, rather than traditional black.
A Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at 11:00 AM, followed by a Chapel Service at 12:00 PM, followed by a Graveside Service, all at Ponte Vedra Valley.
