George Michael "Mike" Norman

George Michael Norman George Michael "Mike" Norman, 79, died at his home on Tuesday, April 15, 2008, after a long illness. Norman was born in Newnan, Ga., on October 26, 1928. He left Newnan to serve in the U. S. Navy during the Korean War, and it was during his military service that he began a long and successful football career, ultimately accepting a scholarship at Florida State University in 1954. It was at this time that Norman also started his legendary business Mike's Beer Barn (initially called Mike's Texaco), the first business in Tallahassee to sell beer and gas at the same location, and ultimately one of the leading beer retailers in the United States. It was through his business that Norman made many great friends, including former teammate Burt Reynolds, who he furnished a free get-out-of-town tank of gas when Reynolds left Tallahassee for Hollywood. Other friends and patrons of the Beer Barn included Dick Howser, Lee Corso, Bob Urich, Coaches Tom Nugent, Vaughan Mancha, Jake Gaither, Bill Peterson, Fred Picard, and Bobby Bowden; and thousands of FSU and FAMU students. Norman retired after fifty two years in business. Norman was an avid weight lifter, an ardent animal lover, and a devoted family man. Friends and family will remember him best for his great sense of humor, loving nature, and tremendous generosity. His attempts to rescue and find homes for every stray dog and cat that wandered up to the Beer Barn were legendary - as was his recurrent habit ofslipping those down-on-their-luck money for meals and bus tickets. He was a lifelong member of the Lettermans Club and Varsity Club at FSU. He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Julia Ashmore Norman; two sons, George Michael Norman Jr. (wife Kathy), and Thomas Mark Norman (wife Beth) of Tallahassee; three daughters, Joanna K. Norman (and her partner Judi Davison), Cynthia N. McCall (husband Charlie) of Tallahassee, and Rebecca N. Daniel (husband Randy) of Greenville ,N.C.; and a stepson, Charles Ashmore Culp (wife Missy). Norman had 12 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. The funeral service will be at 6 p.m. EDT at the Capital City Christian Church, 6115 Mahan Dr. on Friday, April 18, 2008. Arrangements are under the direction of Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home, 1737 Riggins Road, Tallahassee, Florida (850 877-8191). In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Tallahassee Humane Society or Big Bend Hospice.