In Remembrance of Frank Willett Armstrong

Frank Willett Armstrong, a community leader, well-respected attorney and partner at Stewart, Melvin & Frost, passed away on May 16, 2019.

Born in Savannah, Mr. Armstrong grew up in Macon. After receiving his law degree at Mercer University, he served in the United States Navy (1966-69). Mr. Armstrong moved to Gainesville after his military service and began practicing law at Stewart, Melvin & Frost.

Mr. Armstrong was deeply involved in the community. He was a founding board member of Eagle Ranch and helped obtain the property where it is located. Founder Eddie Staub says, “His counsel in the early years set the direction and mission for many years to come.”

His reverence for the earth was demonstrated by his planning of numerous Earth Day programs and his devotion to Elachee Nature Science Center. He served on the Elachee Board for 35 years, chaired capital campaigns, built trails, led hikes and presented astronomy programs. Elachee Director Andrea Timpone calls him “the godfather of Elachee.”

Most recently, he founded Jubilee Farm, a community garden for charity. This project has been successful, distributing fresh produce to agencies and people in need.

For his service to the community, Mr. Armstrong received the Youth Service Award from the Kiwanis Club, Heart of Gold Award from The Times, the Rotary Club Man of the Year Award, and a Good Citizenship Award from the DAR.

Mr. Armstrong and his wife, Carol Ann Alexander Armstrong, were married for 55 years and raised a daughter, Ann Elizabeth, and son, Will. He was a grandfather to four.