Mr. Stephen Larry “Steve” Norman, 77, of Mount Airy, departed his earthly home for his heavenly home early Tuesday morning, March 26, 2024, from Forsyth Medical Center in Winston-Salem. Mr. Norman was born December 17, 1946, in Surry County, one of four children born to the late John Fred and Kathleen McCraw Norman. Steve grew up in Mount Airy and graduated from North Surry High School in 1965. After high school, he attended Appalachian State University and earned his bachelor’s degree in 1969. Steve spent his life working in the communications industry, leaving a substantial legacy among his colleagues. He owned and operated Total Communications Systems and Solutions of Mount Airy for more than 20 years. Steve dedicated his last 49 years to being the best father, as his life truly revolved around his kids and grandkids. Not only was he their father, but he was also their coach, teacher, advisor, counselor, mediator, financial advisor, comforter, leader, chauffeur, and best friend. As a member of Surry Sunrise Rotary Club, Steve demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication to advancing Rotary’s mission of making a positive impact in the world. His remarkable contributions and his unwavering commitment to service have left a mark on the Greater Mount Airy community. Steve was often known as the “bird man” or “egg man.” He spent countless hours with his homing pigeons, spending a large part of his life breeding and racing them. His love for chickens developed in his retirement. If his children and grandchildren wanted to try a new breed, he would simply tell them to “go get it.” He is survived by his fiancée, Martha Gardner Hall; a daughter, Mollie Norman Tompkins and her husband, Buddy; two sons, Jed Stephen Norman and his wife, Alicia, and Zeb Harlie Norman; his grandchildren, Clay Stephen Tompkins, Josie Lynn Tompkins, Emma Kate Norman, and Gavin John Norman; a sister, Faye Norman Ruby and her husband, Joe; two brothers, John Fred Norman, Jr. and his wife, Brenda, and Jack Norman; two sisters-in-law, Helen Grey Hawks and Joyce Grey Hardy; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Mr. Norman was preceded in death by two special brothers-in-law, Troy Hardy and L.H. Hawks. A memorial service will be held Monday, April 1, 2024, at 2:00 PM at Moody Funeral Home Chapel in Mount Airy, with the Rev. Ernest L. Brown officiating. Inurnment will follow in the Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends Monday from 12:00 until 2:00 PM at the funeral home. At other times, the family welcomes friends to the home of Mollie and Buddy Tompkins at 180 Beulah Church Road, Mount Airy. With Steve passing in the month of March, March Madness now has a new meaning for his family and dearest friends, as Steve was an avid sports enthusiast. If you are able to attend the visitation and/or memorial service, the family requests that you wear your favorite sports apparel. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Surry Sunrise Rotary Club, P.O. Box 6254, Mount Airy, NC 27030. Steve left his children with many, many quotes throughout their lives. They would like to share with you just a few: “do what you say you will do;” “don’t hesitate to take the backroads; if you stay on the highway, you will miss a lot; “as long as you have a little money and a full tank of gas, you can’t get lost;” “never be afraid to talk to someone;” and “the little things are the most important.” Before taking his last breath on this earth, his final words to his family and friends were “love you; later, Gator!”
