Tabor City, NC

Benjamin Franklin Norman, III, age 73, of Tabor City, NC, passed away peacefully in his home on Saturday, November 12, 2016, after a long illness.  Born September 22, 1943 in Springfield, Ohio, Ben was the son of the late Benjamin Franklin Norman, Jr. and Vivian Norman, and stepson of Nada Tilley Norman.

Ben or Poppy as he was known by his seven cherished grandchildren, served in the US Air Force after high school and retired from the City of Loris Recreation Department in 2007 after decades of service.  His love for Loris and her children in sports knew no bounds.  He was an avid Gamecock and Ohio State fan.

Besides his parents, Ben was preceded in death by his two brothers, Rick (Diane) and Thomas Norman both of Ohio.

Survivors include his wife of 22 years, Saundra Wright Norman of Tabor City; three sons: Benjy of Conway, Brent (Jamie), and Bryan "Rat" (Kelli) Norman all of Loris; one daughter, Cristy Wright Prince (Joey) of Tabor City; sisters: Alice (Rodger) Tobias, Delores (Dan) Kniseley all of Springfield, Ruth (Paul) Greaney of Huntington Beach, California; one stepbrother: Roger (Susan) Lucas of Springfield; four stepsisters: Judy (Rodney) Peters, Teena (Roger) Richards, Brenda Lucas all of Springfield, and Lisa (Chuck) Middleton of Hillsboro, Ohio; one uncle: George (Brenda Norman; four aunts: Marjorie Roberts, Dorothy Sue Huff, Phyllis (Richard) Bishop all of Springfield, and Rose Rice of Las Vegas, Nevada.  Ben is also survived by his seven beautiful grandchildren whom he loved unconditionally: Ashton and Alex Norman of Loris, Kolby, Grayson, and Parker Norman of Loris, and Anna Beth and Caroline Prince of Tabor City.  He is also survived by his best friend and golfing buddy: Floyd Thompkins; and his beloved dachshund, Izzy.

Visitation will be at 12 noon, Tuesday, in the Inman Ward Funeral Home in Tabor City with a memorial service to follow at 1 PM.  In lieu of flowers, donations are asked to be made to the Loris Recreation Department, in care of Loris City Hall, 4101 Walnut Street, Loris, SC  29569.

A service of Inman Ward Funeral Home of Tabor City

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