Rufus Roger Norman's Obituary
Mr. Rufus Roger Norman was born on December 4, 1947, in Covington, Georgia to the late Mr. and Mrs. Clarence (Mae Lessie) Norman Sr.
He heard his name, Roger Norman then departed his earthly life on August 27, 2021.
Father and Mother, three sisters, Ms. Betty Jean Norman, Mrs. Rosa Bell Sparks, Mrs. Mary Nell Barr Sanders, a brother, Clarence Norman Jr, and one daughter, Katherine Smith, all preceded him in death.
Roger, as a young boy, attended Mount Zion Baptist Church in Oxford, Georgia. He was educated in the Newton County School System but spent most of his life in Rockdale County, Conyers, Georgia with the love of his life, Ollie Mae. The two have known each other since he was 12 years old when her grandmother took him in as one of her own.
He went on to marry her. The two were married for more than 50 years weathering the storm together. Good or bad. They were blessed with 5 children. He cherished his wife and valued her opinion greatly. You would hear him simply respond with the words "Whatever Ott Mae say."
Roger loved his family. Boasted about how smart his wife was and the things she knew when it came to the many jobs, she accompanied him on. He once said, "the girl knows something now, don't let her fool ya." As a dedicated father, he was not the one for punishing his kids but never did shy away from letting them know when they did something wrong.
He was tremendously fond of his mother, papa, and siblings. He often reminisced and made jokes while sharing funny stories about his childhood. He was well liked by everyone and over the years had acquired many nicknames. "Baby" being one of them.
He was employed at Steel Lumber Company for some time as a truck driver. A trusted employee by Dorothy at Triad in Lithonia, Georgia. Where him and his wife worked together and between the two of them, they would have you rolling in laughter about their many adventures. He did various odd jobs throughout his life. When it came to electrical appliances, back in the day, he could fix anything. To mention the most noteworthy of all his occupations: hauling pallets. He and Ollie Mae shared this memory together. Thereafter, he found it to be a business with his late and dear friend, Hal Ogelsby until his death years ago.
Roger is survived by and leaves to cherish his memories wife of 51 years, Ollie Mae Norman. Seven children Timmy (Melanie) Smith, Willie P. Norman (Pam), Shelly Norman Stephenson (Dione), Joel (Denell Norman) Ponder, R. Roderick Norman, Willie (Dollie/Penny) Scott, Tavarious Norman. His 21 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, and 1 great grandchild. His siblings, two sisters, Mr. and Mrs. Daniel (Rose Marie) Jackson, Ms. Sally Norman, two brothers, Mr. Grady Frazier and Mr. Willie Carter Brooks. One sister-in-law, Nina Williams. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends.
He enjoyed Ms. Agnes Smith and her daughter Shell's cooking when Agnes was able to do so. Ms. Carrie Westmoreland who was a confidant to Ollie Mae and provided some of the things he needed during his long battle with cancer. Good friend indeed. A special friend Mr. Charles Daniel who would often stop by to sit on the porch with him and kick a few laughs. alled upon, Ms. Celicia (Tossie) Williamson. Caregiver/Goddaughter, Ms. Imani. He was surrounded by love from his family. A special "Thank you" to the others who he cared about and cared about him in return. He will be greatly missed.
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