Norman A. Carlson

July 4, 1929 — June 5, 2020

Norman A. Carlson
1929-2020

Norman Carlson, 90, of Richmond Hill, Georgia. June 5, 2020.

Born on July 4, 1929, in Aurora, Illinois, Norman always appreciated having fireworks on his birthday. He grew up in Central Florida with his mom, dad, and brother in an area lush with orange groves. He attended the University of Florida and graduated with a degree in Forestry. After graduation, he served in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed at Tyndall A.F.B. in Panama City, Florida.

Norman had a great career as a forester with International Paper Company for 35 years. Early in his career he met the love of his life, Louise, and they were married in 1958. While working for IP, they lived in Thomasville and Bainbridge, Georgia; Lynn Haven, Florida; and Quitman and Natchez, Mississippi. While living in Natchez, he took time off work to be an extra on several movies. On one set, he got to the spend the day with Muhammed Ali, and was thoroughly entertained with Ali's piano playing and jokes.

A life-long golf lover, Norman attended the Masters Golf Tournament for over 50 years, and following his retirement from IP, he moved to Girard, Georgia where he constructed his own private golf course. He and his family enjoyed playing golf there for many years, and it was the perfect spot for his grandkids to be introduced to the game of golf. He was a skilled gardener and builder. He and Louise lovingly built their home in Girard on the land where Louise was born. They grew most of their fruits and vegetables, and gladly shared with their friends and neighbors. Over the years, Norman recruited his kids to help him dig holes for swimming pools at three different homes. His children learned to garden, build things, and dig holes from their dad.

Norman was a devout Christian and attended Lutheran Churches all of his life. He was always a church leader and gave his time and talents in many ways. He taught Sunday School, and did everything from mowing the grass, cleaning the church, replacing tile, and of course, gardening in many churches along the way.

He never had a harsh word to say about anyone. He was a skilled storyteller, and his kind heart and dry sense of humor made him a joy be with. Norman was an extraordinary husband, father, and grandfather.

Norman was preceded in death by his parents Philip and Clara Carlson and his brother Herbert Carlson. He is survived by his loving wife Louise and his children and their spouses: David and Joan Carlson, Bob and Alison Cannon, and Scott and Kathy Carlson. His grandchildren Peter and Ben Cannon, Mark Carlson, and Emma and Clara Carlson will miss him dearly.

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Service Schedule

Past Services

Graveside Service

Tuesday, June 9, 2020

Starts at 1:00 pm (Eastern time)

Bethany UMC Cemetery

9714 Georgia 23, Girard, GA 30426

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