My apologies to the family of Mr. Norman. I did not know about Paul’s death until today. I would have liked to share this with them, so I am grateful for the chance to share it here.
I had the pleasure of working with Paul for several years at Tamco Rentals and Jimco Supply, starting in 1978. I was a young kid, just out of high school, in my first part-time job. Paul, being a very likeable guy, became sort of my mentor when it came to mechanical issues.
Always quick with a joke, and to light up a Camel to explain something to me as I was trying to learn about such things as engines, compressors, and generally how things worked. Paul always got the job done, no matter how difficult the task. He even occasionally took on what he called a “calf job,” where he had the assignment of cleaning up somebody else’s halfway done mess.
Paul always spoke kindly of Shella and the kids. I could tell he really loved them. To my knowledge, no one ever had a bad thing to say about Paul, only praise for his great work and loyalty. After I left the company, I would occasionally drop by to visit with Paul, either at Jimco or Godwin or at his home on the river. He never seemed to age or change, sort of like Dick Clark.
I wish I had the chance to spend more time with Paul, but I’m sure a lot of folks feel the same way.
Cris Spradling 3/23/2016
