Mr. Billie Joseph Armster, in his 78 season, was "summoned by the Master" on Wednesday morning, January 15, 2014 from Muskogee.

Billie Joseph Armster, affectionately referred to as "Uncle Bill," was born from the union of Willie Lamar Armster and Willie Mae Ward on April 15, 1935 in Thomasville, Georgia. He was the oldest of 20 children.

Billie received his formative education in Thomasville, Georgia. After school, he enlisted in the United States Army, where he was stationed in Lawton, Oklahoma at Fort Sill. He earned the rank of PFC E-3 and served his country honorably during the Vietnam War.

Mr. Armster moved to Muskogee, Oklahoma, where he began his employment with Allied Transfer Company. Shortly thereafter, he became employed with Owens-Brockway Glass Company, where he remained for 33 years, retiring from his Foreman position in 2000. Billie was a hard worker and dedicated employee. He never missed a day of work, even when he wasn't feeling well.

Billie met Calvin and Leona Masters, who accepted him as one of their own. Through this relationship, he met the apple of his eye, Imogene Ballard. They became one in Holy Matrimony on July 13, 1969. They remained married for 43 years. Their love was blessed with 4 beautiful children.

They continued their faithful walk with God at the New Jerusalem Baptist Church, where he served as a guitarist faithfully until his demise. Billie loved playing his guitar, so much, that he would play with other gospel groups. He was also the guitarist for the Harps of David.

Billie was known in the community as "Mr. Bill" who never met a stranger, always willing to help. He spent many years as a "Shade Tree" mechanic, working on others vehicles, but charging a little of nothing for repairs.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his faithful wife, Imogene, a brother, Frank Ward, a sister, Geneva Ward and a grandson, Jamarius Armster.

He leaves to cherish his memory; his daughters, Estella, Lawton, Oklahoma, Rhonda, Alessa [Tim], Ebony, all of Dallas, Texas; his son, Brandon Armster, Muskogee, Oklahoma; 6 precious grandchildren, Au'bry Armster, D'Aren Igho-Osagie, A'Kira Murphy, A'Carri Murphy, Timothy Rose, Jr., and Jeremiah Rose; a host of other relatives in Thomasville, Georgia; a very special Sister-in-law, Juanita Smith, Muskogee, Oklahoma; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

The Final Salute will be on Tuesday, January 21, 2014 at 10:00 A.M. in the New Jerusalem Baptist Church. Pastor Perline Boyattia will officiate.

Burial will follow at 1:00 PM in the National Cemetery at Fort Gibson, Oklahoma.

You may visit Mr. Armster, as he slumbers in peaceful repose at the funeral home on Monday, from 12 Noon until 6 PM.