Rex Armistead, 83, died Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2013, at his daughter’s home. He was born Feb. 23, 1930, in Lula to Roscoe and Eula Mae Perryman Armistead. He was a graduate of Castle Heights Military Academy and attended Memphis State University. He was a Korean War veteran, serving in the U.S. Army/Air Force. He devoted his life to serving others through law enforcement. He began his career as a deputy with the Coahoma County Sheriff’s Department. He then served as an officer and chief investigator with the Mississippi Highway Patrol. He also worked as a security officer with the United States Overseas Airlines and a private investigator. He founded the Regional Organized Crime Information Center, and he was a member of Tunica Presbyterian Church. He was a 32 degree Mason, a Shriner, a member of the American Legion and a pilot. He enjoyed duck hunting and riding Harleys.
Services will be 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28, at Tunica Presbyterian Church with Rev. Paul Husband officiating. Burial, with MHP honors, will be in Oakridge Cemetery in Clarksdale. Lee Memorial Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements.
He is survived by his daughter, Linn Herod (Charles Jr.) of Blue Springs; three grandchildren, Rex Harris (Hyungjung) of Ft. Lewis, Wash, Sarah Gayden Harris (Andy Hammond) of Oxford and Peyton Harris (Jessica Brouillette) of Miami, Fla.; three great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Eva Claire and Alinn; and three nephews, Jack Graves (Mari T.), Bob Graves (Shawn) and Joe Graves (Leigh), all of Tunica.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 61 years, Sarah Dawn Armistead; and one sister, Mary Linville Graves.
Pallbearers will be Rex Armistead Harris, Robert Graves, Barrett Graves, Jake Graves, John Graves and Andrew Hammond.
Honorary pallbearers will be Don Bekurs, Bill Spell, Shappley Harris, Paul McHeron, Bob Pope, Ray Garland and Kenny Norris.
Visitation will be from noon until 1 p.m. Saturday at the church
