Norman enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1947. He rose to the rank of Colonel and retired in 1976 as the Adjutant General, U.S. Army Health Services Command after 29 years of service.
Norman attended Infantry Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, GA, Command & General Staff College, and the Army War College. He held numerous assignments in infantry units and assignments in administration at Battalion, Division, Army and Pentagon levels. He served in both the Korean and Vietnam conflicts.
Throughout Norman’s life he was an avid golfer, bowler and coin collector and after retiring he worked at the Windcrest Golf Club. His real passion was fishing with his family and friends along with an occasional trip to the casinos. He was a longtime member of the Windcrest United Methodist Church where he had served on several committees over the years. He was honored to be a part of the Neighbors Helping Neighbors ministry along with his late and beloved friends Joe and Bev Eckhart. He enjoyed the many years of working out at Gold’s Gym with all his workout/coffee friends.
Preceding Norman in death are his parents and his first wife Dorothy Jean Nelms whom he was married to for 60 years. He is survived by his wife, Bunny Nelms, children Debbie Turner and husband Wayne, Norman S. Nelms Jr. and wife Katherine; grandchildren, Jennifer, Nicole, Douglas, Gilda, Racheal, Blayne and 5 great grandchildren, Kyleigh, Dylan, Rylen, Landon and Kaylynne along with his sister Barbara Jackson, brother Tom Nelms and wife Nancy.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made in Norman’s name to A Childs Hope Community Orphanage or a charity of your choice.
