Willie Norman, Sr.

Mr. Willie Norman, Sr., 99, was born on February 10, 1924 to the late Nelson and Rosella Norman. He was the youngest of six children born of that union. He entered into eternal rest on August 24, 2023.

 

Willie was employed in the granite industry and Elberton Manufacturing Company until his retirement in 1989. He loved his job as he got to drink coffee with his brother, Bo, everyday and just reflect on the day. He loved his wrestling, especially Ric Flair, which was evident by his enthusiastic WOOOOO which every church going person he encountered will attest to.

 

He loved his church, Fortson Grove, deeply. He was a Deacon, which he took seriously. He started the Fortson Grove Choir. He loved singing and if you were around when he spoke of the Gospel Bells, you know that they were some bad boys with their voices.

 

Big Willie was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Ellen; his eldest son, Johnny; and his eldest grandchild, Brannon. He leaves to cherish his memory his children: Cathy, Willie, Jr. (Flo), Kenneth (Carolyn), Keith (Lucille), and Stacey (Pam) Norman; and his LIL DAUGHTER, Valerie Bradley. Also, his grandchildren: Greg, April, Cyteria, MarQuajia, Breon, Christopher (Jennifer), Sharayah, Jala, and Blake; great-grandchildren: Jeremiah, Logan, Nyla, Gabriel, Lil Rob, Jalen, Devonte, Davaeh, Draya, Korbin, Wolf, Avery, and Camden; and a host of nieces nephews.

 

Today daddy and mama are sitting down with Aunt Vinnie frying fish while Big Ma and Uncle Bo argue about the wrestling. Uncle Irvin, Johnny, and Brannon are singing something and the family that’s together there are looking upon us and letting us know everything is ok. 

 

Going home celebration for the life of Willie will be held at 2PM on Saturday, September 2, at Love In Action Christian Outreach Center. Interment will follow in Lincoln Heights Cemetery. Willie will lie in state from 10AM to 5PM on Friday, September 1, at Berry Funeral Home for family and friends to pay their respects.

 

AWAY

by James Whitcomb Riley

 

Think of him faring on, as dear

In the love of There as the love of Here.

Think of him still as the same. I say,

He is not dead—he is just away.