Eric Armstrong

Eric Wayne Armstrong was born on May 24, 1969.  He graduated from Permian High School in 1987.  He joined the Navy in 1989 where he went to boot camp in San Diego, CA.  He was stationed at the Naval Station Mayport in Jacksonville, FL.  Eric deployed to Desert Storm in the Northern Persian Gulf on the USS Saratoga where he worked on the flight deck as a firefighter.  He married his soulmate, Scharlena Sue Coon, on May 16, 1998.  They were each other’s light and anyone who saw them together knew how strong their love for each other was. Their marriage was the greatest example of true and unconditional love.  Eric went by many nicknames such as “Erk”, “Guncle”, “Pinkie”, “Coach”, and “Paterfamilias”.  There are some hilarious stories that go along with each of his nicknames. Some of those stories probably shouldn’t be told.

Eric was a leader in every aspect of his life and those around him always looked up to him no matter the situation.  If you knew Eric, then you know he was an amazing cook. Food was his love language, and he shared his cooking talents with everyone he could. The neighborhood kids would line up at the door just to eat some of his famous gumbo. After every good meal, he would rub his belly and say, “It’s a toaster.” He was an outdoorsman who enjoyed camping and the mountains.  However, he also was the only man to ever get his money back on a guaranteed fishing trip.  No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t catch a fish…ever! He was the movie quote master, and you did not want to challenge him in a round of Name That Tune because you were certain to lose! Watching movies was one of his favorite pastimes.  He was often heard quoting Oh Brother Where Art Thou around the house. “Come on in boys, the water's fine” and the kids knew just what he was referring to.  Traveling with his family and friends was so much fun.  As Eric headed into heaven, he was for sure quoting Clark Griswold and saying, “Look Kids, Big Ben, Parliament!”

Eric was a jack of all trades and had many job titles in his lifetime. He worked as a Kirby Vacuum salesman while in Jacksonville, FL.  After moving back to Odessa, he worked briefly for the opening of Sam’s Club. He worked at Huntsman Corporation until they were bought out in 2008.  He transferred to DCP Midstream for a while and eventually moved to XTO Energy in 2013.  While he worked all of these jobs, he was also the co-owner of Big Daddy’s Catfish in Odessa. He became known as Big Daddy Schneider by the staff at Big Daddy’s…lovingly named after the maintenance man in the TV Series One Day at A Time.  Big Daddy Schneider was always happy to complete his to-do list while cracking jokes and picking at the staff.  Eric was a Mr. Fix it.  He could fix anything, and he stayed calm, cool, and collected even under pressure.  Coach was one of his most favorite job titles!  Coaching his boy’s football and baseball teams over the years made him swell with pride and that title stuck with him for all the years to follow.  The job Eric loved the most was that of being a dad. He was the most loving, supportive and amazing father.  He was there for every dance recital, every game, every banquet, and his kids were his world.

Eric made sure to always be grateful and share his gratitude with his family.  His most recent list of things he was thankful for included: God and his grace, Schar and the life they shared, being able to be present when each of his babies were born, family vacations, deep sea fishing with the boys (see the above mentioned fishing issues), a good toothbrush, a warm bed, 4 wheeling, boating, and of course the smiles on everyone’s faces as they enjoyed his cooking!

Survived by the Love of his Life, Scharlena Sue Armstrong; children Cory Wayne Armstrong, Kasyn Ashlee Armstrong, Keatyn Eric Armstrong, Corbyn Charles Armstong, and Kendyn Kory Armstrong; along with many family members and who loved him dearly. He is preceded in death by his parents, Terry Wayne and Retha Kay Armstrong; his brother Jerad Ryan Armstrong; and his grandparents Ivan and Fay Shifflet and James and Johnnie Armstrong.

Visitation will be held Sunday, December 18, 2022, from 3pm-6pm at Big Daddy’s.

Memorial Services will be held Monday, December 19, 2022, at 11:00am at Crossroads Fellowship Church in Odessa, TX. The family would like donations sent to Ranch House Recovery, 263 Roemer Rd, Elgin, TX 78261. Donations can also be made via link: https://www.simplepromisefarms.org/