This obituary was originally published on Colvin Funeral Homes & Cremations.
Colvin Funeral Home & Crematory…announces this earthly transition of CW5 Fred Norman (Ret), of Fayetteville, NC, who departed this life on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at the age of 91. We extend our deepest condolences to the family and all that is connected. Services are entrusted to Colvin Funeral Home & Crematory of Fayetteville. Please keep this family in your prayers during their time of bereavement.
Chief Warrant Officer 5 Fred Norman, U.S. Army (Ret.), a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, distinguished United States Army veteran, mentor, coach, and longtime resident of Fayetteville, North Carolina, passed away on October 29, 2026, at the age of 91.
His was a life that crossed continents, served a nation, and touched countless lives. Defined by perseverance, devotion to family, and an unwavering commitment to opening doors for others, Fred Norman dedicated his life to serving his country, strengthening his community, and helping others realize their potential.
Born September 2, 1935, in Albany, Georgia, to the late Mrs. Sarah Terry, Mr. Norman was a self-described “country boy” whose journey from the rural South would take him around the world. A career soldier, he served with distinction in the United States Army for 41 years, including assignments with the storied 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. His military career included several tours in Germany, California, two tours of duty in Vietnam, and deployments to Korea and Saudi Arabia during the Persian Gulf War.
Throughout his years in uniform, he exemplified discipline, determination, leadership, and an abiding commitment to his fellow soldiers. His numerous military honors included the Legion of Merit, three Bronze Stars, five Meritorious Service Medals, and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Award. In 2005, in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to the Army and the Ordnance Corps, he was inducted into the U.S. Army Ordnance Corps Hall of Fame.
In 1955, he married his beloved wife, Juanita Delores Cross Norman, whom he met at Monroe High School in Albany. Their marriage, spanning nearly seven decades, was a partnership rooted in love, laughter, faith, family, friends, hard work, and shared purpose. Together, they built a life that took them across the United States and abroad, navigating military assignments, frequent relocations, and the joys and challenges of raising a family. Through the many seasons of their lives, their devotion to one another remained constant. Juanita preceded him in death on October 3, 2024. He was also preceded in death by his son, Fred Norman, Jr., who passed away in July 1992.
Mr. Norman is survived by his two daughters, Beverly Norman-Cooper (Royce Norman-Cooper) of Baltimore, Maryland, and Cynthia Norman-Bey (La Val Bey) of Santa Clarita, California; and his son, Anthony Norman (Crystal Southall-Norman) of Baltimore, Maryland.
He also leaves three beloved grandchildren: Linda Adams of Fayetteville, North Carolina; Kai Bey of Santa Clarita, California; and Anthony Norman, Jr., of Baltimore, Maryland. He was the proud great-grandfather of Xavier Adams and Sariah Adams, both of Fayetteville. He is also survived by his goddaughter, Michelle Shackelford of Austell, GA; numerous cousins; extended family; and a wide circle of longtime friends.
His commitment to service was equally evident in his faith and community life. Rooted in the Baptist faith since childhood at Blue Springs Baptist Church, he later became an active member of Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Fayetteville, where he served as a deacon and as leader of the Deacons’ Board. He also led the church’s Veterans’ Mission, honoring the bonds of military service and the importance of caring for fellow veterans. His community ties extended to the Warrant Officers’ Association and the local chapter of the 100 Black Men.
Fred Norman will be remembered for his distinguished military service, his uncompromising standards, and his conviction that leadership is measured not by words or accomplishments alone, but by the example one sets. He demanded much of himself and expected the same of others, believing that excellence was both a personal responsibility and a quality he could inspire in those around him.
Yet his greatest legacy cannot be measured by years of service, military assignments, titles, decorations, or accomplishments alone. It lives in the soldiers he mentored, the careers he helped shape, the doors he opened, the lives he touched, and the generations of family who carry his story forward.
Together, Fred and Juanita Norman built a life whose meaning extended far beyond their own lifetimes—a legacy of faith, perseverance, service, and love.