J (Jesse) Davis Armistead returned to his Heavenly home June 7, 2014, at the age of 98. Services will be Monday, June 9, 2014, at 1:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, Lubbock, Texas. Viewing will be Sunday, June 8, from 1 to 5 p.m. in Resthaven Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 8, at the residence, 2123 55th St. The family will be available in the church parlor one hour prior to the service. Entombment following the services will be at Resthaven Memorial Park Mausoleum, 5740 W 19th St. Lubbock, TX. Davis was born Nov. 11, 1915, to David Wilson Armistead and Myrtle Davis Armistead in Tira, Texas. He had one younger brother, B.W. Armistead. Davis spent his childhood years in Sulphur Springs, Texas, graduating from Sulphur Springs High School. He received his B.S. degree in education from East Texas State University and Doctor of Optometry from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. Both universities recognized Dr. Armistead with a Distinguished Alumnus Award. Davis began his teaching career in public schools at Blum and Itasca, Texas. While teaching at Itasca he met a beautiful young teacher named Cora Francis Chappell. He was the girls' basketball coach and she was the cheerleader sponsor. They were married April 10, 1942, in the home of Dr. Waits, President of TCU. Davis always described Cora as his inspiration, helpmate and best friend. They were married for 72 years. Davis Armistead proudly served the United States during World War II in the South Pacific as a member of the 5th Air Force, a part of the Army Air Corps attached to the Army Signal Corps. The mission of this unit was to intercept enemy traffic with concentration on Air units. This group became known as the The Codebrakers. Just two weeks ago the United States Air Force awarded Davis the Silver Star and two Bronze medals. Cora and Davis chose Lubbock as their permanent home in 1948, where he practiced optometry until his retirement in 1991. Davis is survived by two children, Ann Armistead Thompson, married to Robert Dan Thompson III, and J. David Armistead, married to Suzanne Weiner Armistead; grandsons are Robert Dan Thompson IV and wife Rhonda, and Jesse Davis Thompson; Noah Richardson is the one great-grandson. Other family members who will miss him include his cousin, Mrs. Mary Jo Woods and family; sister-in-law, Mrs. Bernice Armistead Moore and her children Kay and Alan; and nieces, Annella and Maude Gene and their families. Family life centered on church and friends. Involvement was the key word when describing Davis's life. As a member of First United Methodist Church in Lubbock, Davis served as chairman of every committee, a member of the Rafters Sunday School Class, an usher for more than 50 years. Dr. Armistead was involved in both the Texas Optometric and American Optometric Associations, receiving many awards including the Distinguished Service Award, the highest award presented by the TOA. The Wall Street Journal (2010), front page, identified him as the Image Maker of Buddy Holly for the dark rimmed glassed Dr. Armistead prescribed and prepared for Buddy Holly. Community service included serving as a regent for the University of Houston (1971-1983), where he helped establish a new building for the College of Optometry with the building named in his honor. Local involvement included the Lubbock Rotary Club(past president and governor of District #5730), president of the South Plains Boys Scouts, past chairman City Board of Health, Lubbock Goodwill, board of directors, Lubbock Food Bank, Lubbock Dehydration Plant, Society to Prevent Blindness, Foundation for Education and Research in Vision, United Way, and the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce. Davis was a member of the Yellowhouse Masonic Lodge, Khiva Temple and South Plains Shrine Club. For fun Davis enjoyed managing the family farm/ranch in Hill County, traveling around the world and politics. Davis was welcomed home by grandson, J. Davis Armistead; brother, Dr. B.W. Armistead; and extended family. The family would like to thank all who have been a part of J. Davis Armistead's journey. We are grateful to Lubbock Hospice and our family care givers for the love and care they have shared with each of us. Please share your memorials with charities of your choice. Davis lived life every moment, starting each day with I am happy and enthusiastic, are you?


Published in The Lubbock Avalanche-Journal on June 8, 2014