Dr. Robert Thomas Armour, 70, of Barbourville, passed away Monday morning, April 14, 2025 at the Barbourville ARH Hospital. He was born April 13, 1955 in Long Beach, CA, the son of the late Boyd and Roberta Osborne Armour.
Robert was a retired associate professor with Union College and of the Episcopal faith. He was known for his diplomacy, compassion and unwavering dedication to his students and leaves a legacy of academic excellence and personal integrity that will be remembered by all who knew him.
He earned his Juris Doctorate from Southern Methodist University and practiced law for several years before discovering his true calling in education. He began his teaching career in Memphis and later in 2003, he joined the faculty at Union College, where he taught until his retirement in 2020. During his tenure, he chaired the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences for over a decade, guiding both students and faculty with wisdom and compassion. His contributions to Union were recognized through awards including the Distinguished Teacher of the Year and the Student Government Teacher Award – testaments to his impact both in and outside the classroom. He remained a member of the Tennessee Bar Association throughout his career.
On May 14, 1987, he united in marriage with Karen Crawford in Memphis, TN.
Survivors include his loving wife, Casey Armour of Barbourville; a daughter, Leigh DeWitt and husband, Jay, of Munford, TN; a sister, Lynn Skrivanek and husband, Gary, of Plano, TX; treasured grandchildren, Lilly and Lyla DeWitt; the Crawford family; among other loved ones and dear friends.
A private gathering of family and friends will be held at a later date.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Knox Funeral Home.
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For questions about our obituaries or condolence service, please contact us. You may reach us via e-mail at knoxfuneralhome@barbourville.com. Reach us via phone by calling 606-546-2222.
