Richard David Norman, Jr.

Richard David Norman, Jr., 67, passed away Tuesday, May 30, 2017 at the Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Coach Norman, as he was known to many in the community, was born January 11, 1950 in Surry County, N.C. to Doris Shugart Norman and the late Richard David Norman, Sr. In addition to his father, David was preceded in death by his wife Elizabeth Carole Lowder Norman. He is survived by his mother Doris Norman of Boonville, N.C., his sister Donna Norman of Thomasville, N.C., sons Jonathan (Laurie) of Harrisburg, N.C., and Joey (Amy) of Charlotte, and special friend Judy Snyder.  David was a lifelong member of Boonville United Methodist Church.   In addition to being a loving son, husband and father, he was known as “Popi” to six grandchildren whom he loved dearly: Lele, Jack, Reece, Reynolds, Charlie and McLain. His greatest joy was watching his grandkids play. David graduated from Starmount High School (first graduating class in 1968), Appalachian State University and North Carolina A&T State University. He taught and coached in Yadkin County Schools for close to 40 years, teaching in a variety of classroom settings. In addition to being a teacher, David amassed more than 500 victories across four sports at both at Starmount and at Jonesville Elementary. A Drivers Education instructor for much of his career, he also proudly taught more than 3,000 students how to drive safely.  At the time of his passing, he was the president of the North Carolina Driver & Traffic Safety Education Association (NCDTSEA). After retirement, he served as a staff member at Surry Community College and a broadcaster for Yadtel Television, among other roles. Above all else, he believed in three things: loving God, loving people and the family that is Starmount High School. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, June 1, 2017 at Gentry Family Funeral Service in Yadkinville. A church service will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Friday at Boonville United Methodist Church (116 N. Carolina Ave.) by The Rev. Jenny Stewart. The family would like to thank the staff of the Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home for their care and support in David’s transition. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Building Fund at Boonville United Methodist Church (P.O. Box 178, Boonville, NC 27011).  Online condolences may be made at www.gentryfuneralservice.com. Gentry Family Funeral Service in Yadkinville is serving the Norman family.