AUSTIN — Norman Otties Deal,
(N.O. Deal), was born on October 11, 1948, in Waxahachie, Texas. He was the first born child of Otties F. and Freida (Jones) Deal. After a monthlong illness, not COVID-19, he went to be with Jesus on August 5, 2021. He was greeted in Heaven by his parents, sister, Nancy, and daughter, Stephanie Sowell. Norm often said that he had lived a blessed life and was ready to see Jesus.
Norm is survived by his wife, Sherryl (Thomas) Deal; sons Trey Deal (Yanet) of Plumerville and Christopher (Emily) of Clermont, Fla.; daughters, Faralee (Carl) Donaldson of Damascus, Ark., and Leslie (Matt) Evans of Ward, Ark.; grandchildren, Jeannie, Daniel, Ryan, Carly, Mikey, and Brantley Deal, Arabella Donaldson, Kiley and Reid Evans; brothersin-law, Keith Thomas and Brett (Victoria) Thomas. He absolutely adored his grandchildren.
Norm’s father was an ordained Assembly of God minister and held positions in various city churches. Norm was raised in Harrison, Arkansas. He graduated from Evangel College in Springfield, Missouri, with a bachelor’s degree in education. He thoroughly enjoyed teaching, encouraging, challenging and watching students grow in Mt. Judea where he taught for several years. Norm eventually moved to Conway, Arkansas, where he was employed at FMC for about 20 years until his retirement.
Norm developed a love for music as he grew up in church and listened to his mother play the piano. He learned to play guitar, fiddle, banjo, mandolin, bass, and piano by ear exceptionally well. Many years ago, he spent a winter building a banjo. Norm had a wonderful voice and could sing any part. He especially loved to harmonize. Naturally, gospel was his favorite genre followed closely by bluegrass. He attended countless bluegrass festivals where he would walk from one jam session to another until there was nobody left to jam with.
Norm loved to share the gospel and the “Christian Way” as he called it. He did so every chance he got. He loved the Lord and had a big heart. He helped others any way he could. He loved God’s beauty and often called Sherryl outside to view an “awesome” sunset or beautiful clouds. Every morning Sherryl and Norm drank their morning coffee, watched God’s wonderful creatures, and talked about how great God is.
Norm was always thankful and content with everything he had. For a brief time in his life he was homeless, but never spoke about that time negatively. He just trusted God. He lived in the moment and played music at Waffle House in Conway every night for college students. Each spring, Norm made a garden and loved sharing the fruits of his labor with others. He loved cars, too. He bought, traded, and sold hundreds of vehicles during his lifetime.
Words cannot adequately express our appreciation to ALL of the CCU staff at Unity Hospital in Searcy, Ark. There will be a celebration of Norm’s life on August 21, 2021, at Victory Baptist Church in Cabot, at 10 a.m., with Bro. Ben Leonard officiating. Norm donated to Food Banks and gave to various charities in an effort to feed hungry children. Memorials may be to the Beebe Christian Outreach, through First Baptist Church, Beebe, or the Little Rock Compassion Center. Little Rock Compassion Center Donation: https://tinyurl.com/LRCC-Norm-Deal, Beebe Christian Outreach Donation: https://www.fbcbeebe.com/online_giving, To: Designated(Add Memo), Note/ memo: “Beebe Christian Outreach.” Cremation arrangements entrusted to: www.ArkansasCremation.com.