Norma Jean Ogle, age 83, completed her earthly journey on Wednesday morning, June 9, 2021, surrounded by her loving family. Greeting her at Heaven’s Gate were her parents, James Ralph and Ella Lounita Broadwell; brother, James Calvin Broadwell; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Sarah Katherine and Willie Bruce Ogle; and brothers-in-law, Bill and Jim Ogle.
Norma’s childhood was spent in Meigs County, TN where she met lifelong best friend, Barbara Ann Russell, nee Gregory. They ran the dirt roads throughout the county together, finished each other’s sentences, had a multitude of friends and always had a story to tell about one another.
Norma enjoyed working at various businesses in the Knoxville area including UT, Dempster Bros., Ceil Heat and in Mayor Kyle Testerman’s political campaign. While employed at Ceil Heat, she was the photo model who demonstrated many of their products.
In the summer of 1962, Norma met the love of her life, Jack H. Ogle. Jack was as handsome as she was beautiful, and they made a striking couple. They married on January 12, 1963, after a whirlwind courtship. The following day after a heavy overnight snowfall, she and Jack celebrated their marriage by snow sledding down the hills around Deane Hill Country Club. They didn’t own a sled so they used an old automobile hood to ride the dips and swells of the steep hills in the area. Their upside-down automobile hood was the fastest sled on the snow to the displeasure of all the other sledders.
When Jack married Norma, he was very blessed to also gain a daughter, Vicki Ellen. Daughter, Lisa Lynn, arrived to complete their family on October 8, 1963.
Norma spent many wonderful years alongside Jack and numerous other family members and friends as they operated Atomic Speedway and Smokey Mountain Raceway. Norma’s domain was the ticket booth where she was lovingly referred to as “Norma Jean the Ticket Machine”!
Norma was a deeply devoted and passionate believer in JESUS CHRIST. Reading and studying GOD’S WORD was a daily practice, and she loved telling others of JESUS’ love for all mankind. Every year Norma mailed hundreds of greeting cards especially at Christmas and for special occasions, and each card contained the handwritten note, “GOD loves you and so do we”, signed Jack and Norma. She always had a smile on her face and a great laugh that she shared with everyone. Jack often said that Norma was the happiest person he had ever known, and he believed that her enduring faith was the reason.
Norma is survived by her loving husband of 58 years, Jack H. Ogle; daughters, Vicki (Ernest) Short and Lisa (Steve) Reed; grandchildren, Dustin Cureton, Kayla (Brandon) Trachsel, Shane Short, Stephen (Irene) Rogers, Kristen (Chase) Trotter, Christopher Reed (fiancé Meghan Iman), Matt Reed, Spencer Reed, Brian (Stephanie) Reed and 12 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her brothers, Charles and Harrison Broadwell.
Our entire family greatly appreciate the care and concern that Norma received from the staff of Tennova-Turkey Creek, her oncologist, Dr. Sudarshan Doddabele and from Ms. Lynn Turner of Amedisys Health.
The family will receive friends from 4:00pm to 6:00pm on Sunday, June 13, 2021, at Berry Highland Memorial, 5315 Kingston Pike with a service to follow at 6:00pm. Interment will be on Monday, June 14, 2021, at 11:00am. Family and friends will gather at Berry Highland Memorial Funeral Home for a procession to the cemetery at 10:30am. Pastor Jaime Goldenberg will officiate the services.
Pall bearers are Stephen Rogers, Chase Trotter, Spencer Reed, Brandon Trachsel, Chris Reed, and Reagan Rogers.
Donations in Norma’s memory may be made to Transformation Church, Young-Williams Animal Center, East Tennessee Children’s Hospital or a church or charity of your choice.
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