Norman Woodley

October 27, 1930 - October 24, 2020

Norman Woodley was born on October 27, 1930 in Lima, Ohio to Willie & Maud Woodley. Norman was one of eleven children born to this loving union. After graduating from Lima South High School he joined the United States Air Force where he rose to the rank of Technical Sergeant over a stellar 20 year career. He relished his work in the Air Force, where he worked as a police officer in England, Turkey and several states across the U.S. On July 6, 1968, he married his true soulmate, Charlene, while stationed in Dover-Foxcroft, Maine. They settled in Detroit, Michigan in 1971, where they raised four children, Kristen Kay, John Bruce, Kelly Angela, Kacy Lynn and granddaughter Kaitlyn Moriah who he raised as his own child. Upon retiring from the Air Force, Norman began a more than 40 year civil service career, including over 20 years as an Adjudication Officer for the Veteran’s Administration and more than 10 years at the American Legion, helping advocate for our nations’ veterans. Norman enjoyed helping veteran’s navigate the complexities of their benefits and took great joy in helping them find the resources they needed and earned through their service to our country. Norman was an amazing cook and truly enjoyed trying new foods from cultures all across the world. He cooked dinner most nights and so many of his dishes remain legendary. He was the “king of breakfast” and ate a full breakfast of eggs and bacon almost every day of his adult life. Norman was also quick to adopt new technology and used his IPad to further his interest in history, reading and connecting with family. Norman had many interests, but nothing compared to the joy he took in spending time with his family. He made the smallest moments special, from waking up early to make breakfast every morning to creating special “relish” trays for a family TV night. He was a devoted father who supported his children and grandchildren always. Norman was also a devoted and loving husband. Nothing made him happier than making Charlene’s day, which he did often. Norman’s smile always lit up the room and he was beloved by everyone who spent time with him. He was an optimist, approaching even the most difficult things with positivity and strength. Inevitably, this rubbed off on others and he just made everything better. He will be truly missed, but his impact on his family, friends, and co-workers will be his lasting legacy. Norman was preceded in death by his father, Willie; his mother, Maud; his brothers, Jesse, Donald, Clifford, Haskell and his sister, Dorothy Smith. He is survived by his wife, Charlene; his four children, Kristen, Bruce, Kelly (John) and Kacy (Cornelius); his 12 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; his sisters, Bernice Upthegrove, Ruth Ann Ward, Stella Clark and Barbara Jean Stewart; his brother, Willis and a host of family members and friends who will cherish his memory. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (www.pancan.org) in the memory of Norman Woodley. Due to Covid-19 and staying in the guidelines of the CDC, Mr. Woodley's visitation and memorial service will be family only. The family thanks you for your support and understanding.