Jack Norman
Jack LeRoy Norman, 90 2/3, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, died peacefully in his sleep on Friday, July 11, 2014.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 46 years, Molly Cornelia Wells Norman, his parents, Oren W. Norman and Margaret Chapman Norman, siblings Betty Herald, Bob Norman, and Dolores Norman.
He is survived (and was outnumbered by) four daughters, Jackie Weaver, Elizabeth Norman, Marsha Coleman, and Angela (Thomas) Viall (adopted). He leaves many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a great-great-granddaughter.
The family would also like to recognize Loretta Nunn, Angie Guffey, and Hospice of Chattanooga for their care and compassion.
Jack was born in Chester, Ne. He graduated in the “largest class ever” from Chester High School. He attended the University of Nebraska as a speech major with Johnny Carson. He also attended radio broadcasting school in Minneapolis. Mi. He saw enough snow that year to last him his whole life.
Jack courageously served in the 96th Infantry division of the Army during World War II. He was combat wounded in Okinawa. He received the Purple Heart, Two Bronze Stars, Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, Philippine Liberation Ribbon and the Presidential Unit Citation. He chronicled his story for the Veterans History Project for the Library of Congress and the video can be viewed at http://lcweb2.loc.gov/diglib/vhp/bib/5942.
Jack worked as a radio disc jockey in Columbus, Ms., and Tuscaloosa, Al., for over three decades. He considered this his “fun” job. Big Band Jazz was his favorite genre. He retired from the United States Postal Service after 34 years of service – this was the job that paid the bills.
Jack was an avid traveler and had visited all 50 United States, many countries, and three continents. He was an enthusiastic reader and storyteller. He created characters like “Snippy Bird” and “Crabby Apple” to entertain his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was also a zealous sports fan, enjoying all sports, but especially Alabama football. “Roll Tide” were two of his favorite words.
Jack was an amazing person, loved by many, adventuresome, and led a full life. It was not unusual for him to be seen parasailing or on a roller coaster well into his 80s.
There will be a Celebration of Life on Thursday, July 17, from 5-9 p.m. at the Barking Legs Theater, 1307 Dodds Ave., Chattanooga.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of Chattanooga, American Heart Association, or a charity of your choice. Do a good deed in his honor. Make someone smile today.
Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com.