Larry Wade Norman, Jr., 62, passed away Wednesday, May 24th, 2023.
Wade served in the US Air Force for 38 years. He enlisted after high school in 1979 and was commissioned as an Officer in 1991. He retired as a Lt. Colonel in November 2017.
The Air Force enabled him to travel the world and visit countries like Australia, Greenland, Egypt and Germany. However, he was happiest at home. He enjoyed military history, watching movies and taking naps. He was a big proponent of DIY projects and would rather fix things himself instead of paying someone else to do it.
He was married to his best friend, Gwen, for 35 years and they raised three children together. He was a devoted husband and a protective father who was intelligent, funny and hard working. He will be missed so very much.
Wade was preceded in death by his parents, Larry W. Norman Sr. & Myrtle Edwards Norman. As well as his sister, Cathy Norman Toler.
He is survived by his wife, Gwendolyn Norman; a daughter, Mary Johnson and her husband Kyle Johnson of Carrollton, VA; two sons, Milan Norman of Yorktown, VA and Kyle Norman of Denver, CO; his brother, Jeffrey Norman, his wife Kendra, and daughter Shelby of Cayton, NC; his brother-in law, Leslie Toler of Ernul NC; and a nephew, Quentin Toler and his wife Kelli, of Ernul, NC.
Funeral Services will be provided by Altmeyer Funeral Home Denbigh Chapel on Thursday, June 15th, 2023. The viewing will begin at 10:00 am, the service will start at 11:00 am, followed by a catered reception at 12:00 pm. A graveside service at 2:00 pm will follow at Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery in Suffolk, VA.
I got to meet Wade at Langley shortly before he retired. Excellent Airman, Husband and Father. Condolences to his family and friends. Rest in peace Wade.
Col Norman was my commander in the 367th. I’ll always remember him, especially the Breckinridge Annual. He was a great commander and took care of his people well. Sincerest condolences for your loss.
Sincerely sorry for your loss. I worked for Col Norman in Colorado at the 367th RCS. He was hard worker who served his country honestly and one heck of a nice guy. He will be Sincerely missed.
Served with Wade in Grand Forks with the 446th & 447th Missile Squadrons. We were both “Old Timers” with prior enlisted service. Wade in the Air Force, me in the Marine Corps. We had this shared experience that served to bond us together.
Your Alert is over Wade, rest in peace!
I first met Wade when he was my USSPACECOM/J3S Ops instructor back in the early 90’s. He was professional and knew the weapon system thoroughly. He also epitomized the Air Force core values of Integrity, Service, and Excellence. We became neighbors years later, and got together with the families periodically. Wade was not exaggerating when he would often rave about Gwen’s cooking! Wade was always a rock for his family and his friends. I know he is much loved and will be greatly missed by all. <3
Sending my love to the family. Worked underneath Wade in Greenland. Enjoyed his level-head and positive perspective on life. So blessed to have met him and to have met Gwen in Colorado–such a lovely couple!
Wade and I were crew partners in the North Dakota missile fields, around 1997 when Grand Forks was hit by its 500-year flood. I always counted on Wade as a sounding board for the challenges we faced, and I always considered him a great friend. I am glad I stayed in touch with him, at least intermittently; like many we served with, we could always pick up our conversations despite any time or distance. Gwen, our deepest sympathies, we’ll keep you in our thoughts and prayers. — Pat, Ginny, Joseph, and Sean
Wade and I spent much of our youth together. Both went to Farm Life Elementary. We were cousins thru marriage. Our dads were in the National Guard together. Spent many nights at their place in Ernul while our dads and uncles picked guitar and cooked pig. Although we went separate ways in the service, long gone from Eastern NC, and formed lives with others, I still consider Wade a brother, and I miss him.
May the love of God surround you and your family during this difficult time,
May you come to know that the love of God is with you always,
May your memories of Larry Wade Norman Jr., give you peace, comfort and strength…
Rest now in the arms of our Lord your mission on earth is complete.
I thank you for your service to our Country and my Freedom. You will not be forgotten.
My thoughts
and prayers to the family of ….
US Air Force Veteran, Larry Wade Norman Jr., is “A True American Hero” God Bless†
† Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 †
Sorry to hear about your loss. I also grew up with Wade and Cathy. You are in my thoughts and prayers.