Rapley Cleon Armstrong Jr
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93, went to be with the Lord on July 6, 2021. Born in Clearwater Florida on September 11, 1927, he resided in Tampa his entire life. Preceded in death by wife Sybil in 2017; granddaughter, Kristin Hendrix in 1993. He is survived by his daughter, Donna (Lee) Adams and son Kevin (Sherri) Armstrong; 2 grandchildren, Nathan (Amber) Armstrong; Brittany (Andrew) Hayes; 5 great-grandchildren Sarah and Tristan Hayes, Michael, Lily, and Donovan Armstrong; sister Ruth Dean and brother Daniel Armstrong. Rapley graduated from Hillsborough High School in 1945 and promptly joined the Navy where he served in World War 2 and Korean War. He worked at Tampa Electric Company for 24 years while interim pastoring over 23 churches. Then served 30 years as a full- time pastor of four Baptist churches. In his lifetime he had a daily radio devotion on WSOL; was Chaplain for Civitan Club; acted as Guardian Ad Litem for 10 years; held leadership roles in the Southern Baptist and Tampa Bay Baptist Associations. A true fisher-of-men, Rapley boldly asked people about their relationship with Christ wherever he went. He enjoyed fishing, camping, traveling on mission trips and spending time with family and friends. A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 on Wednesday, July 14 at Idlewild Baptist Church in Tampa with visitation at 10:00. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to Gideon's International.