Sam John Norman

Sam John Norman, 80, of Morganton, NC died Sunday, May 1, 2016. Born in Burke County, NC on April 15, 1936, he was the son of the late Samuel Norman and Etta Smith Norman. Sam was a lifetime member of Salem United Methodist Church and was a veteran of the N.C. National Guard. He was an avid UNC Tar Heel fan, photographer, nature lover, furniture builder, clock maker, and gardener. He worked at Knob Creek from its inception, then Ethan Allen, and then retired from G. & G. of Morganton. He was a great friend who never met a stranger and was always on an adventure. He was an amazing father, husband, paw-paw, brother, and uncle.
Mr. Norman is survived by his daughters, Wanda Norman Anderson and her husband, Pastor Ken, of Spruce Pine, NC and Kim Norman Woolard and her husband, Dennis, III, of Raleigh, NC; grandchildren, Lisa Anderson, Deborah Anderson, Thomas Anderson, and Samantha Woolard; a sister, Ruby Turner of Morganton; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Sam was preceded in death by six siblings, Fred Norman, Lucy Caraway, Jim Norman, Bill Norman, Ethel Whitener, and Marjorie Hopper.
The family will receive friends from 4-5 p.m., Friday, May 6, 2016 in the fellowship hall of Salem United Methodist Church. The memorial funeral service will follow in the church sanctuary at 5 p.m. with the Rev. Dr. John Fowler officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 4600 Park Road, Suite 250, Charlotte, NC 28209, Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation 717 S. Marshall St. Suite 105B Winston Salem, NC 27101, or Salem United Methodist Church, 1206 Salem Road, Morganton, NC 28655.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.