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.
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7 Condolence(s)
KRIS JONES
Monday, November 4, 2024
Condolences to Miss Elsie and Karen. Bill was a faithful faithful servant of Christ and a wonderful neighbor who always was gracious at the fence line. we enjoyed our conversations.
Danny Meins
Thursday, October 17, 2024
So sorry to hear Billy’s passing. He was a good man and a good assistant division manager. I pray that Ms Elsie and family find strength in knowing he is now with the Heavenly Father. What a wonderful reunion he must be having!! Gods peace to the Norman family.
ROBERT JAMES
Thursday, October 17, 2024
I’m so sorry to hear about Billy’s passing. I enjoyed my years working with him. The family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Charlie Winters
Thursday, October 17, 2024
I'm good friends with his nephew, Terry Perkins, through our church. I also served in the Marine Corps, so I'd like to say ... Semper Fi Marine! God needed another good man in the Throne Room.
David Barham
Wednesday, October 16, 2024
So very sad to hear of Bill’s passing. Praying for Elsie and family. Please accept our condolences. Never had better friends than Bill & Elsie. Made many fond memories over the years working with Billy at Riceland Foods. I really miss all the hunting and fishing with Billy and Larry and working with Elsie on all her church projects. Fair Winds and Following Seas until we meet again.
Safronia Martin
Wednesday, October 16, 2024
Elsie, Karen, and family,
So sorry for your loss. We always enjoyed having Bill and Elsie as a part of our Sunday School class at East Side. They both had great comments and lots of wisdom to share. Praying for all of you as you go through this time of loss.
Safronia Martin
David Barham
Wednesday, October 16, 2024
So very sad to hear of Bill’s passing. Praying for Elsie and family. Please accept our condolences. Never had better friends than Bill & Elsie. Made many fond memories over the years working with Billy at Riceland Foods. I really miss all the hunting and fishing with Billy and Larry and working with Elsie on all her church projects. Fair Winds and Following Seas until we meet again.