Norman L. Smith

Norman Louis Smith, 70 of New Braunfels, TX, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, September 17 at home surrounded by his loved ones. Born on August 27, 1948 in Artesia, NM he was the son of the late Henry Pryde Smith and Velma Bisbee Smith. Norm graduated from Artesia (New Mexico) High School in 1966. After graduating, Norm enlisted in the New Mexico National Guard, serving for three years 1966-1969. He married Donna Kay Emison in 1969. Norm and Kay would have celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary in November of this year. In 1969, Norm accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior and surrendered to ministerial work. He graduated from Oklahoma Baptist College in 1985. For over 49 years he served in various roles in churches in Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas. For the past 18 years he served as Associate Pastor and School Principal at Calvary Baptist Church and Academy in New Braunfels, Texas. Norm had a passion for people. His kind and gentle spirit, his non-judgmental demeanor, and his very dry wit and humor would brighten up any gathering. His hobbies included fishing, gardening, photography and art. Norm was a passionate Spurs fan. Norm Smith’s life touched and intersected with thousands of others. Norm’s genuine smile, his warm words of welcome and encouragement, or his very hearty handshake was a constant encouragement to many. His testimony for the Lord and loving counsel changed countless lives for the better. For some, the impact was enormous, even revolutionary: countless who were led to Christ, others taught and counseled away from horrific decisions or tremendous loss. These acts of kindness both small and great are now crowns Norm Smith is laying at the feet of his Savior. Norm also had a passion for his grandchildren. He preferred being called “Heman” rather than the traditional “Grandpa.” He doted on his grandchildren and shared their triumphs every chance he had, whether you wanted to hear about them or not. Norman is survived by his wife of 48 years, Kay Emison and their three children: Becky (Robert) Lanning, Darrin (Robin) Smith, and Randy (Tonya) Smith. He is remembered with love by Denise Smith. “Heman” is also survived by his 14 grandchildren: Timothy, Sarah, Lauren, Daniel, Emilie, Nathan, Abigail, Samuel, Lydia, Rebekah, Jonathan, Laree, Benjamin, and Joshua. Norman is also survived by two sisters, Wilma and Louise (Jim), and one brother Henry (Vicky). A Memorial Service will be held at Calvary Baptist Church, 177 W. Klein Rd, New Braunfels, on September 21, 2018 at 10 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Calvary Baptist Church Building Fund. Donations and messages for the family can be made by going to cbctexas.org/normsmith.