WISE, VA.                                    APRIL 3, 2023

Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Matthew 11:28

Jerry Wayne Armentrout, Sr., 76, passed away Wednesday, March 29, 2023.

He was born in Tazewell County, VA to James William "Bill" Armentrout and Margaret Kent Armentrout.  Jerry graduated from Graham High School in Bluefield, Va. He was a motorcycle enthusiast who loved riding his Harley every opportunity he could. He was able to visit all 48 continental states riding his bike.  Jerry was an avid NASCAR fan, whose favorite driver was Jeff Gordon. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing whenever he could and spending time with his family.

Jerry retired from the Department of Corrections with 38 years of service. He began his career in 1974 as an Officer with Powhatan Correctional Center and was instrumental in opening the "old" Deep Meadow Correctional Center.  He moved to Nottoway Correctional Center as the first Chief of Security and assisted in opening that facility.  He also served the Department in positions at Virginia State Penitentiary, James River Correctional Center, Augusta Correctional Center, Marion Correctional Treatment Center, Botetourt Correctional Center, Pocahontas State Correctional Center and Keen Mountain Correctional Center, where he served as Assistant Warden.  He served approximately 9 years as Assistant Warden at Red Onion State Prison.  In February 2007 Jerry was appointed as Superintendent at Wise Correctional Unit #18 until his retirement in February 2013. During his career Jerry assisted with security, staffing and overtime issues and served as a mentor to all.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved son, J.R (Jerry Wayne Jr.) whom he cherished and BabyBop; his stepmother, Idella Armentrout; his brothers, Robert Armentrout and Charles Armentrout and sisters, Patricia Bozeman and Jane Shrader (Larry).

Surviving are his wife of 32 years, Alma Gregory Armentrout; stepson, Bill Mitchell and wife Roxanne of Churchville, VA; his special boy, Jacob Thomas at home; grandson, Adam Mitchell of Staunton, VA; brother, Jim Armentrout and wife Hortence of Athens, GA; sister-in-law, Jean Armentrout of SC; special niece, Linda Pleasants Bickley (Donnie) of Gum Springs, VA; grandnephew, Carl Booth (Autumn) of GA; niece, Melissa VanDyke of Goochland, VA; former wife, Hazel Booth Brown; his favorite sister-in-law, Debbie Gregory of Craigsville, VA (this was a special joke between the two of them that they shared for years); brothers-in-law, Buford (Beverley) Gregory of Stuarts Draft, VA, Kenneth Gregory of Craigsville, VA and Ralph (Patricia) Gregory of Titusville, FL; sister-in-law, Shirley (Billy) Denton of Lynchburg, VA and a host of other relatives and friends.

Arrangements will be private. Cards of condolences can be sent to the home at 10608 Arbor Rd. Wise, VA 24293.

The family would like to thank the staff at Heritage Hall in Clintwood, VA for the kindness and compassion shown to both Jerry and Alma.

Please visit www.sturgillfuneral.com to leave online condolences for the family.

Sturgill Funeral Home 1621 Norton Road SW Wise, VA 24293 is in charge of arrangements.