Norman Beck Obituary

Norman Beck, 92, of Summerville, husband of the late Carol lee Beck, passed away on Friday, March 7, 2025 at his home. Norman was born August 3, 1932 in Colombus County, N.C. He proudly served his God, his family, and his country for 26 years, 1 month, and 20 days in the U.S.A.F. During his stint of time from August 10, 1952 – October 1, 1978, the Air Force made Norman a better man and Norman made the Air Force a better brand of military. He gave no less than his best, and expected the same from others he worked alongside. Norman attained the rank of SMSgt and logged many, many hours as a career Flight Engineer. With great pride he flew the B-17 Flying Fortress, the B-36 Peacemaker, the C-141 Starlifter, and the C-5 Galaxy (the world's largest airplane). And, with great pride he himself summed up his military career: "It was a pleasure to go to work every day, and be with people that wanted to be there and wanted to work." Post military retirement, Norman chose independent sales with Snap-On Tools and discovered he was the hardest boss he'd ever worked for! He ended his employment years as a top salesman at the former Salisbury Brick. In retirement, Norman skillfully developed his golf game. Raised on a small, family farm in Molly, N.C., there was no time to devote to sports until he found the game of golf as a senior adult. He even has the distinct honor of scoring a hole-in-one on his home course at Berkeley Country Club! Norman met his bride of almost 67 years, Carol Lee Pridgen, on a blind date. Together with their children they enjoyed water skiing, boating, camping, deep-sea fishing, and NASCAR. God used the steadfast prayers of his precious Carol Lee, plus those of family and church friends in Texas, to prepare Norman's heart for Jesus' salvation. Eleven years into their marriage, those heart-wrenching prayers were answered! The lord saved Norman who then sought to honor the Lord with his life. For over 50 years Norman and Carol were local members of Summerville Baptist Church. He was an ordained deacon, taught 7th grade boys in Sunday School, served on most church committees, and gave generously to the cause of Christ and to people in need. Norman and Carol loved the Lord Jesus well, they loved each other well, and they loved family and friends well. A little like Jesus, they loved people more than anything! And, that was their legacy individually and together. Norman and Carol's children, grandchildren, and great grands, and so many personal friends are better people because of their example to us.
Norman was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Carol Lee Beck, by father and mother, Charlie and Gladys Beck, by three sisters Joann Gore, Dulah Belle Ward, and Violet Mincey, and by one brother, Roscoe Beck. Norman is survived by his two daughters Cyndy Lehmann (Ben) and Happy Nisson (Bill), and his son Tracy Beck (Robin). Also, nine grandchildren, seven great grands, and one great great grand.
The family of Norman Beck expresses deep gratitude to caregivers Diann Perry, Shirley Howard, Gentry Willi, Melissa Lee, Chelsea Thurlow, and dear friend, Tim Hyatt. We also are so grateful to the nurses and therapists from Interim Healthcare and Interim Hospice who attended to Norman with genuine care and friendship. We thank God, he sent you each to him and to us.
A memorial service to celebrate Norman's life will be Saturday, May 17 at 2:00 in the Dorchester Memory Garden's Mausoleum in Summerville. A 1:00 visitation will precede the service. Rev. Tracy Beck and Rev. Ben Lehmann officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Summerville Baptist Church building fund.