William "Billy" D. Norman

Mr. William D. “Billy” Norman, 86 peacefully entered into eternal rest on Wednesday evening, April 11, 2018 at University Hospital in Augusta, Ga.

Billy was born on July 17, 1931 in Lincoln County, Ga, the son of Toombs Adolphus Norman and Bessie Leona Drinkard Norman. He received his early education at Goshen Elementary School and Lincolnton Elementary School. He continued his education at Lincolnton High School and completed high school in the United States Air Force while serving his country. He enjoyed attending LCHS class of 1948 reunions and was looking forward to the 70th reunion of the class this year.

Billy had a military tour of duty with the U.S. Air Force serving in Alaska, California, New Mexico, and Wyoming. Upon leaving the service he returned to Lincoln county and worked at McCormick Mill as a supply room clerk, followed by a period of time with Harry Stewart’s Ford Motor Company and finally finding his place of service with the Lincolnton Post Office until his retirement in 1993.

Billy married Doris East in 1951 and they were blessed with two daughters, Gay and Maria who survive them along with their husbands Michael Riggs and Glenn Gentry, Jr. Other survivors are their grandchildren, CariAnn Gentry McClain and husband, T.J. and Mallory Reuhle and husband, Stewart, Samantha Riggs, Alex Riggs, Brooke Corbin, Bri-Ann Corbin, and Grant Corbin. Their great grandchildren who survive them are, Christian, Kylee, and Logan McCall and Kendall and Brantley Ruehle. Other survivors of Billy are a sister, Ellie Ruth Norman Beggs and a brother, Murray Toombs Norman and his wife, Mickey along with a host of nieces and nephews.

Billy was preceded in death by his parents and by his wife, along with grandsons, Chandler and Kendall McCall. Others who preceded him death were his sisters and their spouses; Elizabeth (Tootlum) and Pelham Ward, Virginia and Ernest Guthrie, and Charles Guillebeau, Mary and Milford Myers and a brother in law Carlton Beggs.

Billy was a charter member of Morningside Baptist Church of Lincolnton. He was a devoted, active church member and served as a deacon, usher, and teacher there. He was a Mason for more than 50 years in the Lincolnton Masonic Lodge #354. He was a Past Worthy Patron of the Lincolnton Homer Legg Chapter of the Eastern Star #535 and presently was serving as Treasurer. He was devoted to any organization that he joined.

Billy was dedicated to helping others in any way that he could. He was deeply loved and highly respected by his family and a multitude of friends. He had an infectious personality with a boundless sense of humor. He could entertain his associates with jokes and old tales for hours. He never met a stranger and one of his long suites was introducing others to his co-harts. He enjoyed calling and visiting his friends nearby and afar. He also enjoyed eating and shared many plates of lunch from his Mother’s table with his wife, his employer, and anyone he encountered who enjoyed or needed delicious country cooking. Later in life he enjoyed dining with the Senior Citizens and exercising with them. Two characteristics sorta set him apart. The first being he was dedicated to attending the visitations at the local funeral home for all of his friends and associates. Secondly he was well known for giving a dollar to any small child that he encountered. They named him “The Money Man.”

Most of his life was spent in Lincoln County but he has recently resided with his daughter Maria and her husband Glenn in North Augusta, S.C. with occasional visits with his older daughter Gay Riggs and her husband, Michael in Cleveland, T.N.

The funeral services for Billy will be held in Morningside Baptist Church on April 17, 2018 at 3pm with pastor,, Rev. Dan Fernandez presiding. The eulogy will be given by close friends and family and the sermon will be delivered by the Rev. Albert Stroup. Burial will follow in Goshen Baptist Church Cemetery with his wife and other family members. Visitation will be from 6-8pm on Monday, April 16 at Beggs Funeral Home, Lincolnton.

Billy Norman was a people person – his theme in life was “Others Lord, Yes Others.”

Memorial gifts to – Morningside Baptist Church or charity of choice.

Beggs Funeral Home 200 May Ave., Lincolnton, GA 30817, Phone: 706-359-4117

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