Luther Ray Norman

Luther "Ray" Norman, 79, was called to his heavenly home by his Savior on March 3, 2026 at Ballad Hospice House in Bristol, TN. Ray was born to the late Paul and Ruby Norman on December 9, 1946 in Banner Elk, NC.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife of 21 years, Robin Norman, Sister Dorothy Carpenter, Brother Tom Norman and half brother Rhonda Norman.

Ray was drafted into the US Army shortly after graduating high school during the Vietnam conflict, he served his country in the 51st Infantry in Crailskeim, Germany. He worked for years as a painter and co-owner of J & Ray Painting with his life long friend Larry Jones; he was beloved and cherished in the local construction community. He was a faithful member of Heaton Christian Church and enjoyed the fellowship each week with his fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Ray was always happy, laid back and easy going, even when life handed him a lot of challenges. He loved to be outside working in his garden or in his yard, playing golf, hunting, bee keeping, watching sports but especially spending time with his family. He was a wonderful father and grandfather always cheering on and helping his children and grandchildren in whatever interests or endeavors they had. Ray will be missed by so many but his friends and family find peace and comfort in knowing he is spending eternity with his Lord and Savior.

Left to cherish his memory are his children; Russell (Summer) Norman of Banner Elk, NC, Jake (Katie) Norman of Banner Elk, NC, Megan (Preston) Jennings of Plumtree, NC, and Grant (Kaitlin) Norman of Bluff City, TN. His grandchildren; who brought him so much joy, Cole Norman, Savannah Norman, Ainsley Rae, Olson, Amelia, Eliza and Evie Mae Jennings. Sisters; Pauline Vance, Brenda (Bobby) Blackwell and Penny Johnson. Sister in laws; Marie Norman and Judy Ledbetter. Loving girlfriend and caregiver Ellen Wiley.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 pm on Sunday, March 8, 2026 at Heaton Christian Church with Pastor Bo Deaton officiating. The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 1:30 at the church. Burial will follow at Banner Cemetery in Elk Park, NC with military honors provided by the Pat Ray Post of the VFW.

The family would like to extend deep and sincere appreciation to their church family at Heaton Christian Church, the James Quillen VA Hospital and to the Ballad Health Hospice in Bristol, TN.

The care of Ray and his family has been entrusted to Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home of Newland.