Norman Charles Epler Sr

On the morning of May 23rd, 2025, Norman Charles Epler Sr. went to be with the Lord, joining his beloved wife, leaving behind a legacy of faith, hard work, and devotion to his family.
Born on November 10, 1933 in West Reading, Pennsylvania. Norman was proud of his Pennsylvania Dutch heritage. In 1948, he moved with his family to Vass, North Carolina, where he would eventually meet the love of his life, Mary Ruth Mashburn (later Mary Ruth Epler). Those who knew Norman knew his love for the automobile world - especially Fords - was eclipsed only by the love he had for Ruth. After marrying, Norman and Ruth shared over 70 years of unwavering devotion. Their marriage was a true partnership - built on faith, mutual respect, and unconditional love. Norman often spoke of Ruth as his greatest blessing, and their enduring bond was one his proudest achievements. Together, they built a family that became the center of his world, and his faithfulness as a husband and father remains one of his lasting legacies.
He graduated from Vass-Lakeview High School and continued his education at Pfeiffer Junior College before transferring to North Carolina State University where he ran cross country and track. Following his studies, Norman enlisted in the United States Army, where he served three years in the Regular Army as part of the Army Security Agency during the Korean War.
In June of 1960 after beginning a family, Norman and Ruth moved to Fayetteville, North Carolina, and opened Auto Parts Discount Center - later Super Auto Parts - on Bragg Boulevard. What began as a single location grew into a successful chain of five stores and a warehouse before he sold the business in 1980. Even after that, his passion for the automotive industry continued. In 1988, he founded Eagle Motor Company, which he later entrusted to his son Chuck Epler and family friend Joey Waddell in 2007.
Norman's life was transformed in 1961 when he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. His faith became the cornerstone of everything he did. A devoted servant in both the Full Gospel Businessmen's International fellowship and The Gideons International since 1978. Norman became a member of Northwood Temple Church in 1980. For decades, Norman could be found almost every Sunday afternoon at the Cumberland County Juvenile Detention Center spreading the love of Jesus, offering compassion, guidance and hope. Norman dedicated himself to spreading the gospel - both locally and abroad - through missions work in several countries.
He was a man of unwavering principles and clear priorities. He often said he loved God, family, and country - in that order - and he lived by those words every day of his life.
Norman is survived by his two sons, Norman Charles "Chuck" Epler Jr. and Larry Mitchell Epler; daughters- in-law, Pam and Lori; four grandchildren, Matthew, Caroline, Megan, and Caleb; and six great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, David C. Epler, wife Pam, and extended family.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Gideons International, an organization close to Norman's heart and reflective of his lifelong mission.
Gideons International
PO Box 140800, Nashville TN 37214-0800
Tel: 1-615-564-5000
Email: tgi@gideons.org
Web: https://http://www.gideons.org
A funeral service will be held Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at 12pm at Northwood Temple Church. The family will receive friends an hour prior. Burial will follow services at Lafayette Memorial Park on Ramsey Street.
Online condolences may be sent to http://www.jerniganwarren.com
Services provided by Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home, 545 Ramsey St., Fayetteville, NC 28301
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