Walter NORMAN

NORMAN, Walter Ray passed away unexpectedly at his home on May 30, 2024. He was 73 years old. He is survived by his mother, Leslie Norman; his father, Curtis Norman and stepmother, Lois; his sister, Kathryn Garcia; brother, Russell Norman (wife, Carol), all of Clearwater; his stepsister, Holly Dickey (husband, Jeff) of St. Petersburg, along with his daughters, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and many other close loved ones. Walter was born in DeLand, Florida. His father's work assignments meant Walter attended schools in Alaska, California, and Minnesota. He graduated from Clearwater High School in 1969 and attended St. Petersburg College majoring in accounting and finance. His early work was in heavy construction, then tax and accounting. He also had a career at Honeywell for over 10 years in production control. As a teenager, he was exposed to scuba-diving for lobster in the Florida Keys on trips with family and later gained a Master Diver certification. He opened a dive school and taught many student divers the skills needed to become certified. His love of the ocean and diving led him to form Down Under Dive Service, which he operated for over 20 years, doing underwater salvage and repair work, contracting with the Coast Guard, and assisting on some search and rescue/recovery missions. In his retirement, he assisted his sister, Kathryn, with residents' needs at Curlew Care and Evergreen Manor assisted living facilities. Many residents will miss his thoughtfulness and eagerness to assist in numerous ways. Walter was a kind and generous man who touched the lives of all who knew him. A shining light who left us too soon and will remain forever in our hearts. A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 8, at 1 pm at First Christian Church, 2299 Drew St., Clearwater, FL 33765, followed by a reception for all attendees.