Norman Lonzo Self

1933 – 2026

Norman Self, age 92, of Gulf Breeze, Florida, went home to be with the Lord on July 1, 2026. A devoted husband, loving father, gifted engineer, and faithful servant of God, Norman left an indelible mark on the hearts of everyone who knew him.

A Journey of Faith, Family, and Hard Work

Born in 1933 in Palmer, Arkansas, to the late Allison Lonzo and Minnie Fitzgerald Self, Norman grew up learning the values of hard work and dedication while tending to his family's farm. It was during his school years at Holly Grove High School that he met and married his childhood sweetheart, Lea McKoy, beginning a beautiful life together.

An individual of many talents, Norman attended Arkansas State Teachers College, where he proudly played on the football team. Driven by a sharp mind and a passion for building, he went on to graduate from the University of Arkansas with a degree in Engineering. His successful career with Monsanto eventually led him and his family from Decatur, Alabama, to Gulf Breeze, Florida, in 1973. Norman quickly became a deeply rooted and beloved member of the Gulf Breeze community.

A Life Rich in Passion and Storytelling

Norman possessed a vibrant spirit and an enduring love for the outdoors. He frequently returned to his roots in Arkansas for family visits and duck hunting. An avid boater, he was equally at home navigating the lakes and rivers of Alabama as he was the coastal waters of the Gulf of Mexico. While he cherished taking family and friends out for a day of leisure, his true joy was found in fishing.

Whether he was playing a game of tennis, passionately rooting for his beloved Arkansas Razorbacks, or gathering everyone around to share a laugh, Norman's warmth was undeniable. He was an exceptional storyteller with a quick wit who loved nothing more than telling a good joke.

Dedicated to His Craft and His Faith

Norman’s faith was the cornerstone of his life. A faithful member of the Presbyterian Church, he served with dedication as an elder for many years. He beautifully merged his professional talents with his devotion to the Lord by using his engineering skills to assist in the architectural design and construction of two churches in Gulf Breeze.

Even in retirement, Norman’s hands were rarely still. He found great satisfaction in remodeling an older home in East Hill and later worked as a private contractor, repairing and remodeling homes and building porches for local residents. Of all the structures he touched, his favorite place in the world was the very back porch he constructed for his own home. There, with an open door that always welcomed visitors, he loved to relax and watch the birds at their feeders.

Above all, Norman was a man of profound love. His final years were defined by his tender and devoted care for his wife, Leota, before her passing in February 2026.

Legacy and Services

Norman was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters, his oldest son, Gary, and his beloved wife, Lea. His memory will be cherished and kept alive by his two children, Dirk Self and Susan Darling, alongside a legacy of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A celebration of Norman's life will be held on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at McIlwain Presbyterian Church (1220 East Blount St, Pensacola, FL 32503):

10:00 AM: Greeting and Visitation

11:00 AM: Memorial Service

12:00 PM (Noon): Lunch will be served for family members and close friends

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that contributions be made to the McIlwain Presbyterian Church. The family remains deeply grateful to the pastor and congregation members who have so graciously ministered to them during this difficult time.