Norman was predeceased by his parents, Gordon and Clara Lee, sister Margaret, son Peter and grandson Matthew.
Norman’s presence will be greatly missed, but left to celebrate his legacy is his wife Sheila; sons Mark (Fran), Andy (Donna) and James (Sally); 11 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
Norman was born in London, England, on February 28th to Gordon and Clara Lee within the sound of the Bow bells, which made him a true Cockney! As a child Norman experienced and lived through The Blitz in London during WWII. Subsequently, in his teen years his family moved to Northampton where he later attended and graduated from the Northampton College of Technology with a degree in Mechanical Engineering while serving as an apprentice for The Mettoy Co Ltd. His love for physical activity started here as a member of the Northampton Old Scouts Rugby Football Club.
Norman met his wife Sheila at a dance studio in Northampton where he trained for competitive ballroom dancing. They recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on March 2, 2022.
Shortly after their marriage, Norman and Sheila immigrated by ship on the SS Columbia to the United States via Canada, ultimately walking across the Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls on November 26, 1957, carrying all their possessions with them. They became US citizens in March of 1965.
After a short time with Electric Auto-Lite Company in New York, Norman began his career of creating and designing products, first toys (his passion) with Empire in Tarboro, North Carolina where he worked for 15 years, followed by 6 years with Fisher-Price Toys in East Aurora, New York. Longing to get back to North Carolina, Norman completed his career at Zarn, Inc in Reidsville, North Carolina, continuing to design products using blow molding techniques. In retirement, he was the author of the Blow Molding Design Guide (2 editions), Understanding Blow Molding (2 editions) and Practical Guide to Blow Molding. An expert in the field of plastic blow molding, he served as an advisor to companies worldwide to resolve manufacturing issues.
Norman was very active in life, especially with his son’s activities– he loved drawing, painting, running, soccer, travel and was active in the Episcopal Church, most recently at St. Francis Episcopal Church in Greensboro. He served as a Children’s Church Service leader, was a Confirmation teacher, participated in youth mission trips as a chaperone and served on the Vestry. Beloved by all the youth, everyone wanted to be in “Norman’s group”. He loved family gatherings where many old stories would be recounted and new memories created.
Norman was a member of the Jaycees in Rocky Mount, North Carolina for over 10 years, serving in various local, state and national roles and in 1969 was awarded the Wayne McCall award presented annually to three outstanding Junior Chamber coordinators in the nation. In addition, Norman was also a member of the Greensboro Masonic Lodge. Norman led his life letting his actions define him and his life.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at St. Francis Episcopal Church on June 18, 2022 at 11:00 am, followed by an interment at the St. Francis Memorial Gardens with a reception in the Parish Hall. All are welcome.
The family would like to thank the staff at Spring Arbor of Greensboro for the kindness and loving care provided to Norman for the past year. In addition, a special thanks to Pat and Carolyn, Norman’s home caregivers, who are truly angels in disguise.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Francis Episcopal Church EYC on 3506 Lawndale Dr, Greensboro NC 27408 as a tribute to Norman’s passion for serving and teaching youth.
Online condolences may be sent to www.haneslineberryfuneralhomes.com
