Christopher Neil Armstrong

ARMSTRONG, CHRISTOPHER NEIL--age 40 of Knoxville, passed away suddenly at his home on July 1, 2012. Chris spent his childhood in the Colonial Heights community of Kingsport where he was a member of Colonial Heights Presbyterian Church. He graduated from Sullivan South High School and from ETSU with a B.A. in graphic design. Chris moved to Knoxville in 1997 and soon after began his successful career as a graphic artist with the Knoxville News-Sentinel. He shared his passion for music and entertained many by playing guitar in local bands The Retroholics, Dream on Alice, and The Pineda Band. Chris married Jennifer Maddox Armstrong on May 23, 2009. Their meeting sparked instant, life-changing love.During Chris' life, he cultured many long-lasting friendships with his heart of gold. Even if you met Chris for only a second, you felt like he was your son, brother or friend. He wore a perpetual smile and carried a positive outlook. He was humble and apologetic, beginning many conversations with, "I'm sorry." Family and friends admired his artistic talents and were awestruck with his musical gifts, but most of all his dedication to his 3 girls, Jennifer, Makenzie, and Kendall. Chris was a devoted and beloved husband, father, son, brother, and uncle. His daughter Kenzie says that he always liked Star Wars, Bigfoot and UT sports, and that he loved everybody.Chris is survived by his wife, Jennifer Maddox Armstrong, and two daughters, Makenzie age 9 and Kendall age 2; father and mother, Milton and Faye Armstrong; brothers Milton Jr. and Ted; sister Susan; and numerous nephews, nieces, uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends.The family will receive friends from 5:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. Saturday, July 7, at Mynatt Funeral Homes's Fountain City Chapel, with a service following. Graveside services will be at 2:00 P.M. Sunday, July 8, at Highland Memorial Park. Both services will be delivered by Dr. James McTyre, minister at Lake Hills Presbyterian Church.In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to either the Chris and Jennifer Armstrong Children's Fund at any branch of the ORNL Federal Credit Union or the Chris Armstrong Fund at the Knoxville News Sentinel Employees Credit Union.