Richard Norman

Richard E. Norman

Richard E. Norman (Captain Dick Norman) age 91 and resident of Tallahassee passed away on Thursday, December 29, 2016. Dick was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He is survived by Kathleen W. Norman, his wife of 71 years, five children: Gloria W. Kohlmann (James), Richard E. Norman III, David W. Norman (Nancy), Nancy K. Sharp (Lawrence), Daniel T. Norman (Katherine), twelve grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Dick was born in Jacksonville, FL on October 3, 1925, the son of Richard and Gloria Norman. Gloria was the founder of Gloria Norman School of Dancing (Arlington). Richard was a pioneer in the production of silent films in the early 1920s, Norman Studios Motion Pictures (Arlington). Dick was on the board of directors of Norman Studios Silent Film Museum and lived to see his family legacy listed on the National Register of Historic Places and recent designation as a National Historic Landmark.

At the age of 17, Dick joined the Army Air Corps and was a B25 pilot during WWII. After the war he became a commercial airline pilot, flying for National Airlines and Pan American Airways for 32 years. He loved to fly and promoted aviation safety as a national representative for ALPA (Airline Pilots Association) and as a member of IFALPA (International Federation of Airline Pilots Association), focusing on federal government safety regulations. Upon retirement, Dick continued his support of aviation safety through the FAA WINGS Pilot Proficiency Program in Leon County, educating private pilots on safe handling of aircraft and accident reduction practices.

Dick Norman was devoted to God and had boundless pride and passion for his family. His positive attitude, words of encouragement and contagious smile will be remembered by those who knew him briefly and those who knew him well.

The funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 7th at 11:00 am at Deer Lake United Methodist Church, 8013 Deerlake Road South. Following the service, an internment ceremony will be held at Culley's MeadowWood Memorial Park, 700 Timberlane Road. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to Big Bend Hospice, 1723 Mahan Center Blvd., Tallahassee, FL 32308.