Norman Wilson Jr. was born on March 25, 1944, in Pike Road, Alabama, as the eighth of nine children to Fannie Mae (née Hardy) and Norman Wilson Sr. Raised in a lively household of five girls and four boys, Norman grew up surrounded by love, laughter, and lifelong bonds.

Norman’s strong work ethic showed early. By age seven, he proudly began working at a dairy farm, later mastering the operation of milking machines by age twelve. He graduated from Georgia Washington High School in 1962, known and respected as a young man of integrity and good character.

Norman began working as a vault maker before relocating to Cleveland, Ohio. After a brief time studying at Cleveland State University, he found his true calling through the mentorship of Roy Curtis at Brite Metal. This guidance led him into a lifelong career in heat treating and metallurgy; a field he loved and dedicated his career to the craft until retirement.

At age 23, Norman became a baptized believer and attended Adams Avenue Church of Christ and Forest Hills Church of Christ.

In 1969, he married the love of his life and best friend, Katie Potts. Together, they welcomed their daughter, Yasmin, who became the heart of his world. Known lovingly as “Juice” and “Butterfly,” she brought him immeasurable joy. As a family, they were the “Three Musketeers,” traveling and sharing countless cherished memories.

An avid fisherman, gardener, and world traveler, Norman found happiness in life’s simple pleasures. Above all, he treasured time spent with family. Norman was a proud and loving father and a devoted husband who always put family first. He was also known as “Uncle” or “Dad” to many nieces and nephews, always offering guidance, humor, and unwavering support.

As his health declined, Norman fought courageously, surrounded by an outpouring of love. While many family members could not be present, their hearts were with him as they lifted him up in constant prayer for healing and strength. His special nieces and nephew, Shaynel, Carneil, Alethea, Joyce, Pauline, and Patrick, remained faithfully by his side. Though God called him home on March 14, 2026, he will be deeply missed and forever remembered for his love, strength, and steadfast devotion.

Norman leaves behind his cherished wife of 56 years, Katie, who will honor his life and legacy; his beloved daughter, Yasmin of Charlotte, North Carolina; two sisters, Elizabeth Rogers of Detroit, Michigan, and Annye McCullough of Mount Vernon, New York; one brother, Thomas Wilson of Pike Road, Alabama; four sisters-in-law, Dorothy Franklin and Melissa Davis of Montgomery, Alabama; Edith Alvies of Indianapolis, Indiana, and Edna Potts of South Bend, Indiana; along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

In lieu of flowers please donate to the Rheumatoid Arthritis Foundation.