Biography: William C. “Bill” Norman, Jr., 73, of Little Rock died Monday, November 3, 2008 at Arkansas Hospice surrounded by loving caretakers and family. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Clair McClain Norman; children, Mary Ellen Norman of Little Rock, Allen (Ax) Norman and his wife Jennifer and their daughter, Samantha Rose all of Brooklyn, New York; sister, Kay Norman Murray and husband John of Dublin, Ohio; niece, Stephanie Bisson and husband Jeff; nephews, John Murray, Jr., Chris Murray and wife Jodi; and seven great-nieces and nephews. He is also survived by brother-in-law, Craig McClain and wife Elena of Mill Valley, California; and a host of loving cousins. Bill was born in Crossett, Arkansas to the late Mary Tom and William C. Norman. He was a long time resident of his hometown. He retired in 1995 as Chairman of the Board of First National Bank of Crossett, a local institution founded by his grandfather in 1903. He was educated at Washington and Lee University, where he was a member of Kappa Alpha Order and graduated Phi Beta Kappa. He received his MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. He was an active and enthusiastic supporter of the W & L Alumni Association. Bill’s special community interests included active involvement in the Crossett Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, Crossett Players and St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Crossett. Since moving to Little Rock, Bill faithfully attended Men’s Bible Study at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, and the Little Rock Touchdown Club. He served the Episcopal Diocese of Arkansas in several capacities. Bill’s personal passion was writing. For many years he wrote the Graduate Section for the Ashley News Observer and most recently contributed articles for the Encyclopedia of Arkansas. The family wishes to thank Bill’s longtime physicians, Dean Kumpuris, Lawrence Mendelsohn, James Kane, John Tedford and Victor Baton; his loving caregiver, Irene Roberts; and the staff at Arkansas Hospice for their excellent care and kindness. Private Interment will be at Mount Holly Cemetery. Services will follow at 11 a.m., Thursday, November 6, 2008 at Christ Episcopal Church, 6th and Scott Streets, officiated by Reverend Scott Walters, Reverend Susan Payne and Reverend Kate Alexander. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 1000 Hickory, Crossett, Arkansas 71635; Christ Episcopal Church, 509 Scott Street, Little Rock, Arkansas 72201; the American Cancer Society; Arkansas Hospice, or the charity of your choice. Arrangements by Ruebel Funeral Home. To sign the guest register, please visit www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.
It's been so long ... I don't even know if you remember me, but you were always so kind and special to me as a young mother in Crossett and at St. Mark's. Bill was also so very special and I extend my deepest sympathy to you. In all these years I have never looked online for you or Bill but today I just felt God's nudging to look you up and I was so sad to find this obituary for Bill. You are in my prayers and I thank God for the many lives Bill impacted.
Warmest Love and Prayers to you and your family,
Beth