George Jackson"Jack" Norman

George Jackson "Jack" Norman, 81, went home to his precious Savior on Thursday, December 6, 2012, after suffering heart failure. He is survived by Arlene, his beloved wife of 61years; sons Jack Jr., Dennis (his wife Debbie), Bob (his wife Linda), Neil (his wife Patty), Alan (his wife Sheila), thirteen grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Jack is also survived by sisters Helen Sweden, Pat Czarick and brothers Forrest Norman and Jim Norman, preceded in death by sister Lois Toes and his parents Forrest and Nellie Norman. Jack, with his two brothers, owned the Norman Brothers car dealerships in Central Florida for two decades before retiring in 1997.

Jack Norman was born in West Virginia, October 6, 1931, and raised in Cleveland, Ohio where as a young teen began his lifelong career in the automotive industry working at a gas station while courting Arlene, his childhood sweetheart. He worked his way up to become a mechanic, learning everything he could about engines, large and small. He married Arlene Kenny in 1951. All five sons were born during Eisenhower's presidency. While still in Ohio, he became co-owner of an automobile dealership, overseeing the service end of the business.

In 1968, the family moved to Ormond Beach, Florida, where Jack became co-owner of Daytona Dodge, and then moved to Longwood in 1972, and along with his brothers purchased a Datsun dealership in Winter Garden in 1976, where the Norman Brothers brand was born.

Jack's support and influence was at the heart of several ministries for more than 35 years in Central Florida, and none was more precious to him than his position as a volunteer chaplain at the Orange County Jail. After he retired from business he devoted several days a week to ministering to and teaching inmates and serving on the board of the Orange County jail ministry where he was honored in 2011 for his decades of service. He was a longtime member of The Gideons, served as an elder at Calvary Assembly of God in Winter Park, and the board of local Christian station TV-45 in Lake Mary.

Jack Norman lived by faith and exemplified love for family, friends, and others.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, December 13 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., in the Chapel at Calvary Assembly, 1199 Clay Street, Winter Park. The memorial and funeral service will be in the sanctuary at Calvary Assembly on Saturday, December 15, at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to: Orange County Jail Ministry, P.O. Box 568521, Orlando, Florida 32856-8521; or to Calvary Assembly.