of Mountain Home, AR

November 1, 1936 - October 14, 2024

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Franklin Merril (Billy) Norman on Monday, October 14, 2024 at the age of 87. Billy was born on November 1, 1936 on the family farm in Prairie County, Arkansas to Clarence D (Pete) and Maudie Lee (Nee Pennington) Norman.

Billy grew up in Slovak, Arkansas and attended high school in Hazen. He served three years in the United States Marine Corp then returned home to begin a 40-year career with Riceland Foods. He would say his career started with sweeping floors in the mill and at retirement he was the Assistant Manager of the Stuttgart Rice Division.

Billy married Elsie Murray in 1962 and they spent 61 blessed years together. They were avid RVers and master crappie fishermen. Some of the family's happiest and funniest memories took place at a campground or on the White River. Billy and Elsie were faithful members of Park Avenue Missionary Baptist Church. Billy served many years as a deacon and Sunday School teacher. In 2013, they moved to Mountain Home, Arkansas to live close to their only child, Karen and their two grandchildren, Sydney and Savannah.

Billy is survived by his wife, Elsie; his daughter, Karen Heslep and son-in-law, Mike; two granddaughters, Sydney (Will) Henderson and Savannah (Blake) Broshow; one great-granddaughter, Opal Sue Henderson and two sisters, Francis (Tommy) Uhiren and Peggy Perkins (Lonnie Heath); sister-in-law, Gail Norman and many nieces, nephews and close friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Pete and Maudie Lee and his brother, Bobby Norman.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, October 19, 2024 at Lone Tree Cemetery in Stuttgart, Arkansas. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Hospice of the Ozarks (hospiceoftheozarks.org) or Arkansas Children's Hospital.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller Funeral Home
Highway 5 North
Mountain Home, AR  72654
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com