Norman O. Swilley, 83, of Crossett, passed away in his home on Thursday, September 23, 2021, after a courageous battle with cancer. Norman was a man full of life and humor. If you knew Norman, you can probably think of a time when he told you a vivid, detailed story, which probably captivated you for ten or more minutes. You may have been sitting on the edge of your seat when he hit you with the punchline - revealing that you had fallen for his joke - again! I bet you can hear his laughter, imagine his wide grin, and see him slap both knees, as he never tried to hide his pleasure in successfully pulling your leg. His big personality and positive outlook will be greatly missed by many.
Norman’s career spanned a combined 39 years and included leadership roles as a Maintenance Superintendent for Kimberly-Clark Corporation, a Maintenance Manager for the International Paper Corporation and an Area Maintenance Foreman and Technical Training Director for Georgia-Pacific Corporation. During his career, Norman was also a successful business owner as a maintenance consultant, providing his expertise in the areas of preventative and predictive mill maintenance to corporations across Arkansas, California, Indiana, and Tennessee. Norman also proudly served his country in the National Guard.
Norman was an avid golfer in his lifetime, earning multiple titles, as well as representing Arkansas in an international amateur golf tournament in Palm Beach, Florida during the early 80’s. If he wasn’t swinging a golf club, you could find him casting a line or prepping his deer stand for the upcoming season. Norman loved to share his passion with his friends and family, and he selflessly devoted countless hours to teaching his grandchildren all that he knew about hunting, fishing, and caring for the land. Norman also attended First Baptist Church of Crossett, where he enjoyed worshiping alongside his fellow Sunday School class members. Norman believed that the two greatest things in life to be surrounded by were the woods and his loved ones; and if you were lucky enough to be the latter, he made sure you knew it.
Norman is survived by wife, Hazel Watson Swilley, of Crossett, Arkansas; with whom he has shared the last 18 years of love and friendship. He is survived by his brother Johnny Doren Swilley (Jane). He is also survived by his daughter Regina Whatley (Todd); son Kenneth Landers (Donna Kaye), and step-son James Michael Watson (Becky), step-daughter Sharon Watson Wright (David); grandchildren Ryan and Blake Landers, Jacob and Eric Swilley, Kymberly Hunter (Jake), Linley Honeycutt (Austin), Garison and Greir Guidry, Seth and Madison Whatley, Dakota James Watson, Anna Claire Craig (Coilin), and Gabriel David Wright; a number of great-grandchildren, as well as nieces and nephews, including Felicia McClung-Connor (Joey) and Michael Swilley. He is also survived by his lifelong friend and hunting buddy, Wayne LeCompte. Norman would not want us to miss including his loyal best canine pal, Brownie.
Norman is preceded in death by his parents, Wiley Richard Swilley and Dorothy Hughes Swilley; his brothers James Earl Swilley and Jackie David Swilley; his sister Margaret Swilley McClung; his sons Norman Randall “Randy” Landers and Frederick Scott “Scotty” Swilley (Myrenda); and his daughter Amanda Blythe Swilley Guidry.
A Memorial Graveside Service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 29th at Pugh Cemetery in Crossett, with Bro. Keith Boseman officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Crossett and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (Norman’s favorite charity).
Services entrusted to Medders Funeral Home of Crossett.
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