Joe Wheeler Norman, Jr.

MOULTRIE, GA – Joe Wheeler “J. W.” Norman, Jr., 80, of Moultrie, GA, passed away at his residence while surrounded by his family on Saturday, October 14, 2023.

A visitation to celebrate Joe’s life will be held on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, from 5:00-7:00 PM at Cobb Funeral Chapel in Moultrie, GA.  No formal service will be held.

Born in Moultrie, GA on April 24, 1943, Joe was the son of the late Joe Wheeler Norman, Sr. and Ola Mae McMullen Norman.  He was the retired co-owner of Industrial Frame and Welding and GA Axles.  He was a true master craftsman and handyman, a versatile artisan with an uncanny ability to turn raw materials into works of art. With a wealth of skills honed over years of dedication and practice, Joe could take any assortment of materials and transform them into functional and beautiful creations. Joe's Class 1 Welder certification is a testament to his exceptional expertise. Joe was a dedicated and loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.  He was a member of Trinity Baptist Church. 

In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his siblings, infant Hazel Norman, Lincoln Norman, Virginia Eldridge and her husband Homer, Edith Smith and her husband Max; sisters-in-law, Marise Norman and Jackie Norman; brothers-in-law, Roger Norman and Dennis Elrod; daughter-in-law, Renee’ Norman, Parents-in-law, Odis and Alberta Elrod.

Survivors include his loving wife of more than 61 years, Laverne Elrod Norman; children, Joe Wheeler “Joey” Norman, III, Benita Harrod and husband Rodney; grandchildren, Bentley Hughes and wife Brittany, Austin Harrod; great-grandchildren, Koley and Grey Hughes, all of Moultrie; siblings, Nick Dennis Norman of Moultrie and Herman Norman of Alabama; Laverne’s siblings, Larue Calhoun and husband Jack, Myra Norman, Annette Tillman, all of Moultrie; a large extended family including nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

Flowers are appreciated or memorial contributions may be made to the Colquitt County Humane Society, P.O. Box 2915, Moultrie, GA 31776 or Colquitt Regional Hospice, P.O. Box 3548, Moultrie, GA 31776.

Cobb Funeral Chapel has been entrusted with the arrangements.  Please sign the online guest registry at www.cobbfuneralchapel.com.