Dillon Keith Armstrong

Dillon Keith Armstrong, age 29, of Petersburg, and formerly McDowell, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, May 13, 2026.

Born December 17, 1996 in Harrisonburg, Dillon lived a life marked by compassion, creativity, humor, and a deep love for learning and family. An English teacher, Dillon was employed at Dinwiddie High School, where he inspired students through his passion for literature and education. While teaching was one of his greatest callings, Dillon especially cherished his work with the school’s Yearbook Club, where his creativity and enthusiasm truly shined.

Dillon was a proud graduate of Virginia State University, Class of 2020, and was continuing his education as a student at Wichita State University. He was also a published author whose love for reading and storytelling touched many lives.

Outside of the classroom, Dillon embraced life with curiosity and adventure. He loved traveling and exploring the world, creating cherished memories during trips to Dubai, London and Scotland, while eagerly planning his next adventure to Italy. He had a deep passion for genealogy and spent countless hours researching and building his family tree to preserve his family’s history for generations to come.

Dillon was self-taught in crocheting, often learning new techniques through YouTube tutorials, and was known for being both self-motivated and humorously honest about his occasional procrastination. He enjoyed random road trips with his sister Stephanie, concerts, and spending time with those he loved. He was an avid fan of the television show The Golden Girls and could often be found with a good book in hand.

Among all the roles Dillon held in life, his favorite was being “Unc Unc” to his beloved niece and nephew. Family meant everything to him, and the joy he found in those relationships was unmatched. He also proudly served as the self-appointed social media manager and public information officer for the family business, A & M Family Firewood, a role he carried out with humor and dedication. His unwavering bond with his mother, Michelle, was apparent in every aspect of his life.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Micheal Byers, Leslie Byers, and Alfred Armstrong.

Dillon is survived by his loving mother, Michelle Armstrong of Petersburg; his dad, Larry Armstrong of McDowell; brother, Bryan Armstrong (Britanie) of New Town; sister, Stephanie Armstrong of Petersburg; nephew, Bradley Armstrong; niece, Lilie Armstrong; grandmother, Shirley Armstrong of Doe Hill; uncle, Michael Byers (Brandy); aunts, Penny Armstrong, Becky Rexrode, Robin Gumm, and Pam Lassle (Dan); uncles, Ken Armstrong, Mike Armstrong (Georgeanne), and Scotty Armstrong (Sherry); as well as numerous great-aunts, great-uncles, cousins, extended family members, friends, colleagues, and the students who will forever cherish his memory.

Dillon’s kindness, intelligence, humor, creativity, and love for others will be deeply missed but forever remembered by all who knew and loved him. His legacy will continue through the countless lives he touched as a teacher, family member, mentor, and friend.

Relatives and friends are invited to Dillon's visitation at Nelsen Funeral Home, 412 S. Washington Hwy. Ashland, VA, on Wednesday, May 20, from 1 p.m. until the Funeral Service at 2 p.m.

Additionally, a committal service will be conducted 2 p.m., Thursday, May 21, 2026 in Doe Hill Cemetery, Doe Hill, VA, with Rev. Andre Crummett officiating. The family will receive friends one prior to the service in the Stonewall Christian Fellowship Church, located adjacent to the cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be mailed to Doe Hill Cemetery, c/o Delbert Rexrode, 527 Windrush Lane, Doe Hill, Va. 24433; or to the McDowell Volunteer Fire Department, also to Delbert Rexrode, 527 Windrush Lane, Doe Hill, Va. 24433.