Larry Norman Norred, Sr., 86, passed away peacefully in his home on Wednesday, October 9th 2024 with his family by his side. Larry was born on February 11, 1938 in the home of his great grandparents in McKenzie, Tennessee. He spent the early days of his childhood in the small town of McKenzie where his grandfather served as Chief of Police and his aunt was the Postmistress. In the fifth grade, the family resettled in Birmingham, Alabama and Larry attended grammar school in Gate City. He made lifelong friendships and spent many days exploring nearby Ruffner Mountain. Larry graduated from Woodlawn High School (’56), attended Birmingham-Southern College where he majored in Mathematics and was a member of Kappa Alpha Fraternity. As a student, he worked nights at Hayes Aircraft where he was the illustrator of the corporate…. (Ask mom)
Larry Norman Norred, Sr. (February 11, 1938 – October 9, 2024)
In 1958, he joined the United States Army, completing basic training and advanced infantry training at Fort Jackson and returning home to the reserves as a member of Company K, 167th Infantry (Alabama National Guard). In 1960 he was recruiting for newly burgeoning Special Forces and completed airborne and special forces training and served in the 119th Special Forces (which later became part of the 20th Special Forces) until honorably discharged in 1966.
Larry’s career was in the window, door and millwork business. Which took him to Columbus, GA and Eufaula, AL before returning to Birmingham. He furnished the first phase of Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort and was part of the inaugural tournament held at the Links course. Later in his career, he focused on architectural millwork restorations including the historic 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham.
Larry Norred, Sr. was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church where he taught both adult and 1st grade Sunday School. His main interest and passion was golf. He played his first round with his father at Roebuck Golf Course at 14 years old. In his lifetime he played over 500 different courses around the world – even Senior PGA Open Qualifying tournaments! Being very social in nature, golf was a natural fit for his gregarious, outgoing personality. Larry was a wonderful storyteller. He loved people and making them laugh with his jokes. He also had a love for vintage cars, classic movies and family vacations.
Larry is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Joan Charlotte Roper Norred. His son, Larry Jr. (Paige), his daughters, Laura Joan Norred (Milton Fritts) and Julie Marie Elliott (Jeff). His granddaughter, Anna Paige Norred of Shreveport, LA and grandsons, Jackson David Elliott and Preston Cole Elliott of Hoover, AL. His brother, James Edward Norred of Inverness, FL and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest Preston Norred and Faye Elizabeth Dinwiddie and his brother, Thomas Norred.
Celebration of Life was held on Wednesday, October 16, 2024
The Club, atop Red Mountain
The Inn Room
4pm – Reflections and Prayer
4:30 – 6pm Visitation
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