Murray Toombs Norman

Mr. Norman, son of the late Toombs A. and Bessie Drinkard Norman, was born on December 10, 1928 in the Goshen Community of Lincoln county where he was raised and attended Goshen School grades 1-6 and Lincolnton schools grades 7-11.  He graduated in 1948 after dropping out of high school and working for 3 years.  During the interval, he worked for Mr. L.E. Rees and at Krispy Kreme donut shop in Augusta. After graduation from high school, he drove a pick up/delivery van for Harold Corbin Dry Cleaners, and worked in a grocery store for James Burton. On June 16, 1950, he married Mildred "Mickey" Cliatt. Eventually, he partnered with Aubrey Burton as proprietors of East Side Gas and Grocery, and then at A & M Super Market on US 378 in Lincolnton.  After selling the grocery store around 1978, he worked as a saw sharpener for Gary Ward, manager, at Brunswick Pulp & Paper in McCormick, S.C.

Murray joined Goshen Baptist Church as a teen and moved his church letter to New Hope Baptist Church after his marriage.  He served as a Deacon at New Hope after his ordination in 1963. Over the years, he served New Hope as Training Union Director, as an usher, and as Chairman of Deacons.  He and Mickey transferred their membership to Goshen Baptist Church in 2005 where Murray was received as a deacon.  In 1996-97, Murray and Mickey served as Baptist Mission Volunteers in  Jos, Nigeria.  Mickey taught at Hillcrest (Mission) School and they hosted at Baptist Centre, a mission guest house, where their grandchildren Sara Beth, Amy, and Catherine lived with them while attending  boarding school.  Murray will be remembered, not only for his overseas mission service but also as a dedicated Christian man.

He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Mildred "Mickey" Cliatt Norman; four children, Dr. Andy M. Norman of Manchester, TN, Dan C. Norman of Blowing Rock, NC, Vinnie V. "VeVe" Thompson of Apopka, FL, and Dr. John T. Norman, of Dalton, GA. ;daughters-in-law,  Judy T. Norman, Teresa G. Norman, and Angie D. Norman; son-in-law, Ray Thompson; 14 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren and sister, Ellie N. Beggs. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Elizabeth N. Ward, Virginia N. Guillebeau, Mary N. Myers and William D. "Billy" Norman.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the New Hope Baptist Church Cemetery  Fund, P.O. Box 1303, Lincolnton, GA 30817.