Norman was born July 13, 1926 in Malvern, Arkansas to Cora (Thomason) and Joe Harris. After the death of his mother, he was raised by his older sister, Crele and her husband, Alphie Meador of Union, Mississippi.
Norman graduated from Stratton High School in 1947. He was president of his senior class and named most likely to succeed. He was the captain of the basketball team and lettered in both basketball and baseball. He played semi-pro baseball for two years. He went on to attend East Central Junior College on a basketball scholarship and majored in physical education. He lettered in basketball, baseball, and football. After graduating ECJC, he attended Mississippi State University where he lettered in basketball.
Norman served in the United States Navy during WWII and the United States Army during the Korean War as Chief Warrant Officer and Motor Officer stationed in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. After his military service, Norman became an insurance claims adjuster for Calbort Fire Insurance in Jackson, Mississippi and later moved to San Antonio, Texas. Joining the St. Louis Insurance group in 1960, he moved to St. Louis, Missouri as regional claims manager. In 1963, he and three partners formed Volkswagen Insurance Group where he was vice-president of claims and sales.
In 1969, he became president and general manager of Norman Harris Volkswagen, adding Porsche/Audi in 1972. He was also president of N.H. Construction Company.
In 1976, he was appointed by Governor Cliff Finch as Executive Director of the Governor's Council on Aging. After serving four years with the state, he wanted to do something fun to combine what he knew in sales and travel. He established NH Wines - brokers of fine wine and spirits.
Norman enjoyed sports. He was an avid Mississippi State fan, but supported all Mississippi teams. In his younger years, he was an avid golfer.
Norman was a member of Ridgecrest Baptist Church. He was a member of the Blue Lodge for over 50 years, Scottish Rite, 32nd degree Mason, Wahabi Shriner and Jester. He also had memberships in the Rotary Club, Lions Club, Kiwanis Club and Civic Club. He was a member of the East Central Junior College alumni and Mississippi State alumni as well.
Norman was the first Commander of the Mississippi Chapter of the Knights of the Vine, which he established in 1997 and served for 20 years. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Dixie National Rodeo Blue Room.
Norman is survived by his daughter, Susan Harris Wingert and son, William Gregory Harris; granddaughter, Kelli Wingert Wallace and grandson, Kristopher Leigh Wingert (Heather); and three great-grandchildren, Bela Wallace, Jadyn Wingert and Owen Harris Wingert.
Norman was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Miriam DuBard Harris; his parents; two sisters, Crele Meador and Lucille Harris; four brothers, Joe Harris, Bruce Harris, Merle Harris and Virgle Harris; and grandson-in-law, Jim Wallace.
A small service for the family will be held Monday, June 15, 2020 at Parkway Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Norman's name to Shriner's Children's Hospital/Wahabi Shrine, 41231 I-55 South, Jackson, Mississippi 39212, or 601-371-7116.
