Norman Reese Adams, 79, of Houston TX, passed away on December 4, 2014. He was born on March 9, 1935 in Tuscaloosa AL.
Norman graduated Robert E. Lee high school in Baytown, TX in 1953, where he proudly represented the Ganders in the Texas State Finals in 1950, 1951 and 1952. Norman also threw Shotput & Discus as well as anchoring the 4x100 relay team. He was also a force under the basket on the basketball court. That athletic prowess earned him a football scholarship at the University of Texas in Austin. A severe vehicle accident unfortunately cut short is promising football career very prematurely. After raising his family he spent the last 25 years medically retired after an accident in 1989 left him disabled. Norman found new purpose in life as an encouraging voice and advocate for those with similar injuries.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel and Estelle Adams of Highlands.
He is survived by his sister, Sarah Kerr; sons, David Adams of Magnolia, Norman Adams II of Leander, and Samuel Adams of Mont Belvieu; and seven grandchildren.
Funeral Services were held on Friday, December 12, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at Earthman Funeral Home. Interment followed at Memory Gardens Cemetery.
**************
Friends pay tribute to Gander great
By Wanda Orton Special to The Sun | Posted: Thursday, December 11, 2014 12:00 am
At Robert E. Lee High School in the early 1950s, Norman Adams was a campus hero, always winning elections – class favorite, class officer – plus being heavily involved in winning football games. With a whole lot of help from this big, friendly fellow, the Ganders won their way two years in a row to the state finals at the Cotton Bowl.
For the past 25 of his 79 years, Norman was confined to a wheelchair but continued to be a big winner in the eyes of all who knew him. And, more than ever, he was our hero, a profile in courage.
After he was paralyzed in a vehicle accident, Norman never gave up. His winning spirit endured and he passed that philosophy onto others.
Pain was his constant companion, but he didn’t dwell on that. He dwelled on staying in touch with friends and going to every class reunion he could.
He enjoyed talking about the good old days – like hanging out at Magnolia Gardens where he met a young singer named Elvis Presley, and dropping by Baytown’s local radio station, KREL, where he became a lifelong pal of the disc jockey Rascal McCaskill.
Growing up in Highlands, he had great memories to share. He and his friends used to ride their bikes to the San Jacinto battleground to play touch football on that hallowed ground. For nourishment, they’d knock on the door of the kitchen at San Jacinto Inn where the cooks gave them leftovers from the night before.
The last time I saw Norman was at the Bay Area Heritage Society Gala at the Goose Creek Country Club in June. When I told him it was good to see him, he said, “I wouldn’t miss it.”
The rest of this story is written by his friends – a collection of email messages about this remarkable man whose death Dec. 4 has touched them all.
Jan Stowe Thomas wrote, “How does one summarize such a magnificent life in a short quote? These words, however, come to mind: Norman had the heart of a great warrior, who taught us how to transcend adversity with grace and elegance. You were incredibly loved and admired, dear friend.”
Gerald Orton: “Norman Adams was probably the closest friend I had in high school. He survived two horrendous accidents and was still wanting to help others any way he could. The first accident cost him his scholarship to UT and the second sent him to a life of being bedridden -- I never heard him complain! Norman was a great example of grit and optimism.”
Johnnie Clayton: “I am so sad to learn about Norman. Not many of our classmates’ deaths have affected me this way.”
Ron Gieger: “Norman was the heart of our class. He was a faithful Christian, a loyal friend and an all-around good guy. He was loved by all. He has suffered physically for many years but now he is whole again. Norm will be missed.”
Murray Mangum: “Norman was a fighter! He lived with that accident and the aftermath for many, many years.”
Patsy Chaplain, who is married Norman’s lifelong friend,
Noel Chaplain, said, “We were heartsick to hear of Norman’s death. I have known him about 20 years, but Noel has known him since they were very young children. We have kept up with him through the years and when we used to go back to Noel’s Mom’s when Norman lived in Highlands, we saw him quite often. We have visited him in Houston and been with him on class parties. He was a precious man and as you say, an inspiration to all who knew him.”
Betty Holitzky: “What shocking news about Norman. Yes, we will all miss our man Norman and sure hate to give him up, but we will all see him again someday as we all have a path to walk. Brighter days lie ahead for all of us, I have to believe.”
Charles Seligman remembered the time that Norman and L.A. Bergeron went with him in his 1949 convertible to Florida, Alabama and Louisiana. In New Orleans they picked up another passenger, Clifford Rowe, who happened to be on a family vacation. Norman pleaded with Clifford’s dad to let him join them. He did and he four of them had what Seligman described as an “All American” trip. “I shall never forget it – or them!” he said. While Norman’s passing is sad, Charles reminded friends that he “is with our Heavenly Father now. No pain, just the comforting love of God.”
When Gene Harrison was a sophomore, Norman was a senior at REL, and he regarded him as one of his heroes. “After football season was over, our Highlands football guys -- Norman, Joe Schiraldi, and Noel Chaplin – rode the bus with us. . There may have been more, but those are the guys I remember the most. They kept us entertained each and every day! We were all in awe of those special friends. I am sure they did not even know our names at that time. Not a problem, because I remember them. Always will.”
Meredith Tyer recalled when Norman would go to St. James House to visit her aunt -- the mother of his good friend, the late L.A. Bergeron. Meredith said she appreciated the fact that Norman never forgot to also stop by and see her mother during those visits.
His former classmates Monte G’Sell and Evelyn Bradbury commented in unison: “Norman was the heart and soul of our class.”
Jan Thompson: “He truly was an inspiration.” … Shirley LaVergne: “When we saw Norman, it was with a smile and concern for you. He will truly be missed.” … Barbara
Simmons Gurley: “He has fought for a long time. A big loss for family and friends.” … Shirley Williams: “Norman had a lot of fight in him -most would not have fought so hard to stay alive. He was truly an inspiration and blessing to many. God rest his soul.”…Cecile Arnett: “A wonderful man.”
His funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at Earthman Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. at Earthman’s.
Norman graduated Robert E. Lee high school in Baytown, TX in 1953, where he proudly represented the Ganders in the Texas State Finals in 1950, 1951 and 1952. Norman also threw Shotput & Discus as well as anchoring the 4x100 relay team. He was also a force under the basket on the basketball court. That athletic prowess earned him a football scholarship at the University of Texas in Austin. A severe vehicle accident unfortunately cut short is promising football career very prematurely. After raising his family he spent the last 25 years medically retired after an accident in 1989 left him disabled. Norman found new purpose in life as an encouraging voice and advocate for those with similar injuries.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel and Estelle Adams of Highlands.
He is survived by his sister, Sarah Kerr; sons, David Adams of Magnolia, Norman Adams II of Leander, and Samuel Adams of Mont Belvieu; and seven grandchildren.
Funeral Services were held on Friday, December 12, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at Earthman Funeral Home. Interment followed at Memory Gardens Cemetery.
**************
Friends pay tribute to Gander great
By Wanda Orton Special to The Sun | Posted: Thursday, December 11, 2014 12:00 am
At Robert E. Lee High School in the early 1950s, Norman Adams was a campus hero, always winning elections – class favorite, class officer – plus being heavily involved in winning football games. With a whole lot of help from this big, friendly fellow, the Ganders won their way two years in a row to the state finals at the Cotton Bowl.
For the past 25 of his 79 years, Norman was confined to a wheelchair but continued to be a big winner in the eyes of all who knew him. And, more than ever, he was our hero, a profile in courage.
After he was paralyzed in a vehicle accident, Norman never gave up. His winning spirit endured and he passed that philosophy onto others.
Pain was his constant companion, but he didn’t dwell on that. He dwelled on staying in touch with friends and going to every class reunion he could.
He enjoyed talking about the good old days – like hanging out at Magnolia Gardens where he met a young singer named Elvis Presley, and dropping by Baytown’s local radio station, KREL, where he became a lifelong pal of the disc jockey Rascal McCaskill.
Growing up in Highlands, he had great memories to share. He and his friends used to ride their bikes to the San Jacinto battleground to play touch football on that hallowed ground. For nourishment, they’d knock on the door of the kitchen at San Jacinto Inn where the cooks gave them leftovers from the night before.
The last time I saw Norman was at the Bay Area Heritage Society Gala at the Goose Creek Country Club in June. When I told him it was good to see him, he said, “I wouldn’t miss it.”
The rest of this story is written by his friends – a collection of email messages about this remarkable man whose death Dec. 4 has touched them all.
Jan Stowe Thomas wrote, “How does one summarize such a magnificent life in a short quote? These words, however, come to mind: Norman had the heart of a great warrior, who taught us how to transcend adversity with grace and elegance. You were incredibly loved and admired, dear friend.”
Gerald Orton: “Norman Adams was probably the closest friend I had in high school. He survived two horrendous accidents and was still wanting to help others any way he could. The first accident cost him his scholarship to UT and the second sent him to a life of being bedridden -- I never heard him complain! Norman was a great example of grit and optimism.”
Johnnie Clayton: “I am so sad to learn about Norman. Not many of our classmates’ deaths have affected me this way.”
Ron Gieger: “Norman was the heart of our class. He was a faithful Christian, a loyal friend and an all-around good guy. He was loved by all. He has suffered physically for many years but now he is whole again. Norm will be missed.”
Murray Mangum: “Norman was a fighter! He lived with that accident and the aftermath for many, many years.”
Patsy Chaplain, who is married Norman’s lifelong friend,
Noel Chaplain, said, “We were heartsick to hear of Norman’s death. I have known him about 20 years, but Noel has known him since they were very young children. We have kept up with him through the years and when we used to go back to Noel’s Mom’s when Norman lived in Highlands, we saw him quite often. We have visited him in Houston and been with him on class parties. He was a precious man and as you say, an inspiration to all who knew him.”
Betty Holitzky: “What shocking news about Norman. Yes, we will all miss our man Norman and sure hate to give him up, but we will all see him again someday as we all have a path to walk. Brighter days lie ahead for all of us, I have to believe.”
Charles Seligman remembered the time that Norman and L.A. Bergeron went with him in his 1949 convertible to Florida, Alabama and Louisiana. In New Orleans they picked up another passenger, Clifford Rowe, who happened to be on a family vacation. Norman pleaded with Clifford’s dad to let him join them. He did and he four of them had what Seligman described as an “All American” trip. “I shall never forget it – or them!” he said. While Norman’s passing is sad, Charles reminded friends that he “is with our Heavenly Father now. No pain, just the comforting love of God.”
When Gene Harrison was a sophomore, Norman was a senior at REL, and he regarded him as one of his heroes. “After football season was over, our Highlands football guys -- Norman, Joe Schiraldi, and Noel Chaplin – rode the bus with us. . There may have been more, but those are the guys I remember the most. They kept us entertained each and every day! We were all in awe of those special friends. I am sure they did not even know our names at that time. Not a problem, because I remember them. Always will.”
Meredith Tyer recalled when Norman would go to St. James House to visit her aunt -- the mother of his good friend, the late L.A. Bergeron. Meredith said she appreciated the fact that Norman never forgot to also stop by and see her mother during those visits.
His former classmates Monte G’Sell and Evelyn Bradbury commented in unison: “Norman was the heart and soul of our class.”
Jan Thompson: “He truly was an inspiration.” … Shirley LaVergne: “When we saw Norman, it was with a smile and concern for you. He will truly be missed.” … Barbara
Simmons Gurley: “He has fought for a long time. A big loss for family and friends.” … Shirley Williams: “Norman had a lot of fight in him -most would not have fought so hard to stay alive. He was truly an inspiration and blessing to many. God rest his soul.”…Cecile Arnett: “A wonderful man.”
His funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at Earthman Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. at Earthman’s.
Norman Reese Adams, 79, of Houston TX, passed away on December 4, 2014. He was born on March 9, 1935 in Tuscaloosa AL.
Norman graduated Robert E. Lee high school in Baytown, TX in 1953, where he proudly represented the Ganders in the Texas State Finals in 1950, 1951 and 1952. Norman also threw Shotput & Discus as well as anchoring the 4x100 relay team. He was also a force under the basket on the basketball court. That athletic prowess earned him a football scholarship at the University of Texas in Austin. A severe vehicle accident unfortunately cut short is promising football career very prematurely. After raising his family he spent the last 25 years medically retired after an accident in 1989 left him disabled. Norman found new purpose in life as an encouraging voice and advocate for those with similar injuries.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel and Estelle Adams of Highlands.
He is survived by his sister, Sarah Kerr; sons, David Adams of Magnolia, Norman Adams II of Leander, and Samuel Adams of Mont Belvieu; and seven grandchildren.
Funeral Services were held on Friday, December 12, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at Earthman Funeral Home. Interment followed at Memory Gardens Cemetery.
**************
Friends pay tribute to Gander great
By Wanda Orton Special to The Sun | Posted: Thursday, December 11, 2014 12:00 am
At Robert E. Lee High School in the early 1950s, Norman Adams was a campus hero, always winning elections – class favorite, class officer – plus being heavily involved in winning football games. With a whole lot of help from this big, friendly fellow, the Ganders won their way two years in a row to the state finals at the Cotton Bowl.
For the past 25 of his 79 years, Norman was confined to a wheelchair but continued to be a big winner in the eyes of all who knew him. And, more than ever, he was our hero, a profile in courage.
After he was paralyzed in a vehicle accident, Norman never gave up. His winning spirit endured and he passed that philosophy onto others.
Pain was his constant companion, but he didn’t dwell on that. He dwelled on staying in touch with friends and going to every class reunion he could.
He enjoyed talking about the good old days – like hanging out at Magnolia Gardens where he met a young singer named Elvis Presley, and dropping by Baytown’s local radio station, KREL, where he became a lifelong pal of the disc jockey Rascal McCaskill.
Growing up in Highlands, he had great memories to share. He and his friends used to ride their bikes to the San Jacinto battleground to play touch football on that hallowed ground. For nourishment, they’d knock on the door of the kitchen at San Jacinto Inn where the cooks gave them leftovers from the night before.
The last time I saw Norman was at the Bay Area Heritage Society Gala at the Goose Creek Country Club in June. When I told him it was good to see him, he said, “I wouldn’t miss it.”
The rest of this story is written by his friends – a collection of email messages about this remarkable man whose death Dec. 4 has touched them all.
Jan Stowe Thomas wrote, “How does one summarize such a magnificent life in a short quote? These words, however, come to mind: Norman had the heart of a great warrior, who taught us how to transcend adversity with grace and elegance. You were incredibly loved and admired, dear friend.”
Gerald Orton: “Norman Adams was probably the closest friend I had in high school. He survived two horrendous accidents and was still wanting to help others any way he could. The first accident cost him his scholarship to UT and the second sent him to a life of being bedridden -- I never heard him complain! Norman was a great example of grit and optimism.”
Johnnie Clayton: “I am so sad to learn about Norman. Not many of our classmates’ deaths have affected me this way.”
Ron Gieger: “Norman was the heart of our class. He was a faithful Christian, a loyal friend and an all-around good guy. He was loved by all. He has suffered physically for many years but now he is whole again. Norm will be missed.”
Murray Mangum: “Norman was a fighter! He lived with that accident and the aftermath for many, many years.”
Patsy Chaplain, who is married Norman’s lifelong friend,
Noel Chaplain, said, “We were heartsick to hear of Norman’s death. I have known him about 20 years, but Noel has known him since they were very young children. We have kept up with him through the years and when we used to go back to Noel’s Mom’s when Norman lived in Highlands, we saw him quite often. We have visited him in Houston and been with him on class parties. He was a precious man and as you say, an inspiration to all who knew him.”
Betty Holitzky: “What shocking news about Norman. Yes, we will all miss our man Norman and sure hate to give him up, but we will all see him again someday as we all have a path to walk. Brighter days lie ahead for all of us, I have to believe.”
Charles Seligman remembered the time that Norman and L.A. Bergeron went with him in his 1949 convertible to Florida, Alabama and Louisiana. In New Orleans they picked up another passenger, Clifford Rowe, who happened to be on a family vacation. Norman pleaded with Clifford’s dad to let him join them. He did and he four of them had what Seligman described as an “All American” trip. “I shall never forget it – or them!” he said. While Norman’s passing is sad, Charles reminded friends that he “is with our Heavenly Father now. No pain, just the comforting love of God.”
When Gene Harrison was a sophomore, Norman was a senior at REL, and he regarded him as one of his heroes. “After football season was over, our Highlands football guys -- Norman, Joe Schiraldi, and Noel Chaplin – rode the bus with us. . There may have been more, but those are the guys I remember the most. They kept us entertained each and every day! We were all in awe of those special friends. I am sure they did not even know our names at that time. Not a problem, because I remember them. Always will.”
Meredith Tyer recalled when Norman would go to St. James House to visit her aunt -- the mother of his good friend, the late L.A. Bergeron. Meredith said she appreciated the fact that Norman never forgot to also stop by and see her mother during those visits.
His former classmates Monte G’Sell and Evelyn Bradbury commented in unison: “Norman was the heart and soul of our class.”
Jan Thompson: “He truly was an inspiration.” … Shirley LaVergne: “When we saw Norman, it was with a smile and concern for you. He will truly be missed.” … Barbara
Simmons Gurley: “He has fought for a long time. A big loss for family and friends.” … Shirley Williams: “Norman had a lot of fight in him -most would not have fought so hard to stay alive. He was truly an inspiration and blessing to many. God rest his soul.”…Cecile Arnett: “A wonderful man.”
His funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at Earthman Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. at Earthman’s.
Norman graduated Robert E. Lee high school in Baytown, TX in 1953, where he proudly represented the Ganders in the Texas State Finals in 1950, 1951 and 1952. Norman also threw Shotput & Discus as well as anchoring the 4x100 relay team. He was also a force under the basket on the basketball court. That athletic prowess earned him a football scholarship at the University of Texas in Austin. A severe vehicle accident unfortunately cut short is promising football career very prematurely. After raising his family he spent the last 25 years medically retired after an accident in 1989 left him disabled. Norman found new purpose in life as an encouraging voice and advocate for those with similar injuries.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel and Estelle Adams of Highlands.
He is survived by his sister, Sarah Kerr; sons, David Adams of Magnolia, Norman Adams II of Leander, and Samuel Adams of Mont Belvieu; and seven grandchildren.
Funeral Services were held on Friday, December 12, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at Earthman Funeral Home. Interment followed at Memory Gardens Cemetery.
**************
Friends pay tribute to Gander great
By Wanda Orton Special to The Sun | Posted: Thursday, December 11, 2014 12:00 am
At Robert E. Lee High School in the early 1950s, Norman Adams was a campus hero, always winning elections – class favorite, class officer – plus being heavily involved in winning football games. With a whole lot of help from this big, friendly fellow, the Ganders won their way two years in a row to the state finals at the Cotton Bowl.
For the past 25 of his 79 years, Norman was confined to a wheelchair but continued to be a big winner in the eyes of all who knew him. And, more than ever, he was our hero, a profile in courage.
After he was paralyzed in a vehicle accident, Norman never gave up. His winning spirit endured and he passed that philosophy onto others.
Pain was his constant companion, but he didn’t dwell on that. He dwelled on staying in touch with friends and going to every class reunion he could.
He enjoyed talking about the good old days – like hanging out at Magnolia Gardens where he met a young singer named Elvis Presley, and dropping by Baytown’s local radio station, KREL, where he became a lifelong pal of the disc jockey Rascal McCaskill.
Growing up in Highlands, he had great memories to share. He and his friends used to ride their bikes to the San Jacinto battleground to play touch football on that hallowed ground. For nourishment, they’d knock on the door of the kitchen at San Jacinto Inn where the cooks gave them leftovers from the night before.
The last time I saw Norman was at the Bay Area Heritage Society Gala at the Goose Creek Country Club in June. When I told him it was good to see him, he said, “I wouldn’t miss it.”
The rest of this story is written by his friends – a collection of email messages about this remarkable man whose death Dec. 4 has touched them all.
Jan Stowe Thomas wrote, “How does one summarize such a magnificent life in a short quote? These words, however, come to mind: Norman had the heart of a great warrior, who taught us how to transcend adversity with grace and elegance. You were incredibly loved and admired, dear friend.”
Gerald Orton: “Norman Adams was probably the closest friend I had in high school. He survived two horrendous accidents and was still wanting to help others any way he could. The first accident cost him his scholarship to UT and the second sent him to a life of being bedridden -- I never heard him complain! Norman was a great example of grit and optimism.”
Johnnie Clayton: “I am so sad to learn about Norman. Not many of our classmates’ deaths have affected me this way.”
Ron Gieger: “Norman was the heart of our class. He was a faithful Christian, a loyal friend and an all-around good guy. He was loved by all. He has suffered physically for many years but now he is whole again. Norm will be missed.”
Murray Mangum: “Norman was a fighter! He lived with that accident and the aftermath for many, many years.”
Patsy Chaplain, who is married Norman’s lifelong friend,
Noel Chaplain, said, “We were heartsick to hear of Norman’s death. I have known him about 20 years, but Noel has known him since they were very young children. We have kept up with him through the years and when we used to go back to Noel’s Mom’s when Norman lived in Highlands, we saw him quite often. We have visited him in Houston and been with him on class parties. He was a precious man and as you say, an inspiration to all who knew him.”
Betty Holitzky: “What shocking news about Norman. Yes, we will all miss our man Norman and sure hate to give him up, but we will all see him again someday as we all have a path to walk. Brighter days lie ahead for all of us, I have to believe.”
Charles Seligman remembered the time that Norman and L.A. Bergeron went with him in his 1949 convertible to Florida, Alabama and Louisiana. In New Orleans they picked up another passenger, Clifford Rowe, who happened to be on a family vacation. Norman pleaded with Clifford’s dad to let him join them. He did and he four of them had what Seligman described as an “All American” trip. “I shall never forget it – or them!” he said. While Norman’s passing is sad, Charles reminded friends that he “is with our Heavenly Father now. No pain, just the comforting love of God.”
When Gene Harrison was a sophomore, Norman was a senior at REL, and he regarded him as one of his heroes. “After football season was over, our Highlands football guys -- Norman, Joe Schiraldi, and Noel Chaplin – rode the bus with us. . There may have been more, but those are the guys I remember the most. They kept us entertained each and every day! We were all in awe of those special friends. I am sure they did not even know our names at that time. Not a problem, because I remember them. Always will.”
Meredith Tyer recalled when Norman would go to St. James House to visit her aunt -- the mother of his good friend, the late L.A. Bergeron. Meredith said she appreciated the fact that Norman never forgot to also stop by and see her mother during those visits.
His former classmates Monte G’Sell and Evelyn Bradbury commented in unison: “Norman was the heart and soul of our class.”
Jan Thompson: “He truly was an inspiration.” … Shirley LaVergne: “When we saw Norman, it was with a smile and concern for you. He will truly be missed.” … Barbara
Simmons Gurley: “He has fought for a long time. A big loss for family and friends.” … Shirley Williams: “Norman had a lot of fight in him -most would not have fought so hard to stay alive. He was truly an inspiration and blessing to many. God rest his soul.”…Cecile Arnett: “A wonderful man.”
His funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at Earthman Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. at Earthman’s.
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