Nor Por Yang

October 5, 1948 – March 16, 2022

Nor Por Yang (Nom Pov Yaj) of Hickory, North Carolina, passed away on March 16, 2022, among his loved ones. He was 73 years old. Nor Por was blessed with a large family of 6 sons and 5 daughters, with a total of 37 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. Nor Por was preceded in death by two wives, a brother, three sisters and most recently his grandson.

Nor Por was born in Laos to Cher Chong Yang and True Vang; and he was the oldest in a family of 4 sons and 4 daughters. As a young man in his village, he was a farmer and blacksmith. At a young age, he was recruited to be an army soldier. He fought for the United States CIA during the Vietnam War in an operation known as the Secret War. He was wounded in his head and his leg, and he lived the rest of his life with the shell from the injuries. In the aftermath of the turmoil from the war, his family fled from Laos to Thailand seeking a new life.

In Thailand, his family settled into Soptuang Refugee Camp in Chiang Kham Camp. Eventually, in1996, Nor Por immigrated to the United States with his family. He became a proud U.S. citizen on August 9, 2004. Nor Por enjoyed walking, he was crafty with his hands making knives, and dearly loved his children and doted on his grandchildren. Nor Por lived a full life. He was loved and will be missed.

Funeral services will be held at Carolina Hmoob Hall, Newton, NC. The family will be receiving visitors on March 25, 2022 followed by his burial on March 27, 2022.