Archie Garson Norman died of complications from back surgery on June 7, 2020 at Arkansas Baptist Hospital in Little Rock. Archie was born in Bluff City, Arkansas on July 19, 1931. He spent his childhood living in Gurdon, Arkansas. Being a child of the depression in rural Arkansas and the son of tenant farmers, he was truly a self-made man. At the age of 17, he joined the Air Force. Having never been outside of Clark County, he quickly found himself on a train headed to New York City to start his military career. While in the Air Force, he spent several years in Newfoundland Canada at Gander Air Force Base. He also was stationed at Elgin in Florida and Selfridge Air Force Base in Michigan. After his time in the Air Force, Archie returned to Arkansas and began a career in the trucking business. As diesel engines became more prevalent in trucks, he recognized the growing need for trained mechanics. Archie went to school to become a diesel mechanic and went to work in the 1950's for Wheeling Pipeline, a major petroleum carrier in the 1950's and 60's making his way to become an executive with the company. During this time, he established himself in the trucking industry as a leader and businessman. When Wheeling Pipeline was sold in the late 1970's, Archie used his experience, reputation, and industry relationships to go into the trucking business himself. He established Nortran, Inc. over 40 years ago which continues today as a regional liquid asphalt carrier based in El Dorado, AR and Dallas, TX and operating throughout the mid-south. His son, Terry continues to operate Nortran/Norman Transport today.
He was dedicated to his family and loved his grandchildren and played a very active role in each of their lives. In recent years, he has enjoyed living to see the birth of his five great grandchildren. His hard work changed the trajectory of his entire family. Knowing the importance of education, he worked hard to ensure that his children and grandchildren received college educations. He was also dedicated to his business and the people that worked with him. Employees were considered family to Archie. He took a keen interest in each of them and their families.
He is preceded in death by his parents Archie Benjamin Norman and Pattie Otwell Norman, a brother Louis Norman, two sisters Patsy Norman and Mildred Slayton.
He is survived by two sisters Adeline Kelly of Conway, AR and Virginia Little of Maumelle, AR, two sons Gary Norman (Nacine) of Jasper, GA and Terry Norman of El Dorado, AR, grandchildren Capt. Ben Norman (Lauren) of Lynn Haven, FL, Ashley (Drew) Morrison of Collierville, TN, Landin Norman (Sarah) of Bartlett, TN, and Malyn Norman of Rogers, AR, great grandchildren Benjamin Norman, Lillian Norman, Jennilee Morrison, Emmie Morrison, and Tate Garson Morrison.
He touched so many lives over the years and was a great father who will be missed and remembered by his family, friends, and his coworkers for generations to come.
There will be a graveside service by Youngs Funeral Directors at South Fork Cemetery in Clark County, AR near Gurdon on Saturday, June 13, 2020 at noon with Rev. Landin Norman and Dr. Jonathan Kelly officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Union County Animal Protection Society, 1000 Sunset Rd., El Dorado, AR 71730
An online guest registry will be available at www.youngsfuneralhome.com
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