Johnny Ray Norman

Retired Sheriff Johnny Ray Norman

Funeral services for Retired Sheriff Johnny Ray Norman, 72, of Coushatta, LA will be held at 2 P.M. Sunday, March 16, 2014 at First United Methodist Church with Rev. John Kavanaugh officiating. Interment will follow in Springville Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5 P.M. until 8 P.M. Saturday, March 15, 2014 at First United Methodist Church. Funeral services under the direction of Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home, Coushatta, LA.

Mr. Norman was born June 4, 1941 in Coushatta, LA and passed away March 14, 2014.

Johnny Ray was a 1959 graduate of Coushatta High School. Following his graduation, he played football at Northwestern State University for four years where he was the holder of many records throughout his college football career. He was then drafted by the Dallas Cowboys.

Mr. Norman was President of the Red River Soil and Water Conservation District for numerous years. He also served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of First United Methodist Church for many years. He was elected Red River Parish Sheriff in 2004 and served for two consecutive terms. During his tenure as Sheriff, he served on various committees for the Louisiana Sheriff's Association.

Mr. Norman was a pillar of his community where he had been very active in various groups and organizations from an early age until his retirement. Mr. Norman loved the people and the community he served. Through his many years of dedicated service, he touched the lives of many individuals.

He was a loving husband, father, brother and grandfather and will be missed by all those who knew him and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Lucille Norman and one brother, James Lamar Norman.

Mr. Norman is survived by his wife of 49 years, Celia Norman of Coushatta, LA; one son, Jonathan Norman and wife, Leigh Anne of Shreveport, LA; one daughter, Alison Norman Hughes and husband, Timothy of Coushatta, LA; four grandchildren, Alaina Jon Norman, Elizabeth Ann Hughes, Hayden Lane Norman, and Tyler Franklin Hughes; two sisters, Ovel Sullivan of Coushatta, LA and Alice Wren of Coushatta, LA; one brother, Randy Norman of Shreveport, LA; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Scott Willis, Dr. Spence Willis, Chris Willis, Tim Norman, Jason Norman, and John Kyle Wren. Honorary pallbearers will be Travis Hale, Ardis Almond, William Almond, Tremmell Almond, Jay Adcock, Johnny Lee, Donnie Kelly, Sheriff Glen Edwards, Johnny Taylor, Andrew Giddings, Lonnie "Nubby" Giddings, Stan Horton, and David Brooks.

The family wishes to express a special thanks to Dr. Huan Le, Dr. Spence Willis, and 5th Floor Nursing Staff of Willis-Knighton North.

The family requests memorials be made to the First United Methodist Church Youth Choir, P. O. Box 487, Coushatta, LA 71019 or the charity of your choice.