Our dearest father, brother, friend, and husband left us on Wednesday June 7, 2017. Norm was a true Tennessee gentleman with a kind heart and wonderful smile. He was a friend to all and loved by all.

A native of Crossville, Tennessee, Norm graduated from the University of Tennessee, then married his first wife Patricia. He soon joined the U.S. Air Force. Later, three daughters completed the young family.

His military tours included serving with the Strategic Air Command in North Dakota and the Air Commandos in Southeast Asia as a night forward air controller. He was also on the faculty of the Air University at Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama. One of the family's most memorable tours was in Naples, Italy, where Norm was a NATO staff officer. He retired as a Lt. Colonel and settled in Panama City to begin a new chapter of his life.

As a civilian, Norm soon forged another long career, this time with Merrill Lynch. For over twenty years, he provided financial planning services, ultimately becoming office manager before he retired. His dear friends at Merrill Lynch were like a second family to him, and he cherished the memories of his time with them.

For many years, Norm was a member of the Panama City Rotary, serving as president from 1996-97. For his work at Rotary, he was awarded the Paul Harris Certificate. Norm also served on the local FSU Development Board and became president in 1998. Golf and Tennessee football and basketball were Norm's favorite pastimes. He was also a longtime member of the St. Andrew Bay Yacht Club.

Norm was preceded in death by his beloved first wife, Patricia Blakely and his devoted parents, Ollie and Orland Blakely.

Norm is survived by his wife, Lila; three daughters, Sarah Elizabeth (Beth) and husband, David Tuszynski, Pamela Blakely, and Diane and husband Hayes Morris; one sister, Donna and husband David Walker; two grandsons, Blake Tuszynski and Ryan Lindsey; and two adorable great grandchildren, Paisley Lindsey, Blakelyn Lindsey; one nephew, Andrew Walker; two nieces, Carolyn Walker and husband Lee Smith, Charlotte and husband Will Kotas; and their children.

Someone like Norm comes along once in a lifetime. Norm will be deeply missed by his friends and family. We are forever grateful for his time with us, as we bid him farewell. His spirit will live on eternally in our hearts.

A funeral service will be held on Monday June 12, 2017 at 11 am in the Wilson Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow at Evergreen Memorial Gardens, 3733 Hwy. 231 North. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 10-11 am prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Humane Society of Bay County, 1600 Bay Ave. Panama City, FL , phone 850-215-7120.