Norman Floyd Milam

Norman Floyd Milam
06/11/29?03/11/09

CRANE: Norman Floyd Milam, 79, went home to be with Jesus Christ on the night of March 11, 2009. The family will be receiving friends at the funeral home on Saturday from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Services will be held at the First Baptist Church at 2 p.m. Sunday, followed by a brief graveside service. The service will be provided over by Reverend John Swedlund and Reverend Tommy Parker.

Norman is survived by Gloria Milam, his lovely wife of more than 57 ? years, along with his two doting daughters, Debra Pettit and Terri Young; another daughter, Patti Lynn Milam, passed away shortly after birth. Also left behind are Norman's younger brother, Carl Milam Jr., and his sister-in-law, Emma Lou Milam. He is also survived by his younger sister, Peggy Dickson. Other survivors are his two sons-in-law, Steve Pettit and Dennis Young. In addition, Norman leaves behind six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, with another one on the way. His grandchildren are Bradley Pettit, Craig Pettit, Terra Willis, Denny Sue Young, Blaine Young and Carley Young. His great-grandchildren are Jaxon Willis, Makenna Willis and Nicolas Craig Rueda-Pettit. Terra Willis, and her husband Casey Willis, are expecting Norman's fourth great grandchild, who has yet to be named. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers for the service will be Kevin Dixon, Brian Dixon, Mike Wood, Ken Havins, Carl Milam, C.W. Milam, Dennis Dickson and Greg Turner. Jerry McNeese will serve as Honorary Pallbearer for the service.

Throughout his life, Norman positively influenced many of the people who had the honor of knowing him. He had a vast group of family and friends, which will miss him very much. However, as much as his death pains those of us who are left behind, we simultaneously rejoice in knowing that Norman now experiences perfect peace in the open arms of the Almighty God!

Norman was known for his presence. He had a full head of silver hair, a neatly trimmed mustache, and a timbre of voice worthy of a stage actor. This is appropriate, though, as Norman enjoyed telling stories and reminiscing of the time he spent in Alaska while working for ARCO. Norman worked for ARCO for more than 35 years before retiring in 1985 to return from Anchorage, Alaska, to Crane, Texas, in order to be closer to his family. Prior to moving to Alaska, Norman served for 25 years as a volunteer fireman for the Crane Fire Department. In addition, Norman was a lifetime member of the Crane Masonic Lodge.

Perhaps stemming from his love of telling stories, Norman also loved to read books. He could easily read two or three westerns in a single day, if the mood struck him just right. He was also very knowledgeable of the Bible, and he had read and studied much of it over the years. Another of his loves was the place on Colorado City Lake that he and Gloria purchased after he retired. There he loved to watch and teach his grandchildren how to fish.

Above all other joys in his life, however, were his love of family; especially the love he had for Gloria. Norman and Gloria lived a long and fulfilling life with one another, and their marriage was a glorious success by the standards of both God and man.

Norman was preceded in death by his mother and father, Mrs. Veda Milam and Mr. Carl Milam Sr.

The family members of Norman Milam would like to thank Home Hospice for their attentive care, and to all the friends who have been so generous with their time and assistance. Also, the family would like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Daniel O' Hearn, all members of the First Baptist church for their prayers and concern, and a special thanks to "The Magnificent Seven."

Lord, we pray that you now allow Norman Floyd Milam to rest in peace among the many angels of Heaven.

Amen.