Manuel Lacy “Coach” Norman passed away peacefully surrounded by his family Thursday October 3rd, 2024. Lacy was born in the same house which he called home for his entire life, so there was not much going on in town that he didn’t know about.
Lacy was preceded in death by his parents, Julian and Susie Norman; and a brother, Keith Norman who lived in Clifton Forge, Va. Left to cherish, remember, and hold close to their hearts the impact Lacy made in their lives are his siblings, friends, and of course…his football players. He is survived by his sister Claudia and her husband, Wes; his brother Dennis; three fine nieces, Sherri, Stacey and Christian; and two great nephews, Logan Hall and Gabriel Lewis.
I feel the importance of mentioning the role Lacy played in the developing and preparing all of his kids to the real life of this world. Lacy joined the Marines to see the world “so he said,” but never once left the states (which was probably a good thing due to the Vietnam conflict). Returning back to civilian life in 1960, Lacy took on a job with Simmons in Richmond VA delivering furniture and mattresses. The Chesapeake Corporation finally hired Lacy and he worked there until his retirement.
As Lacy worked his way up the ladder at the mill, he became lead-man in maintenance and in the Summer he was responsible for Summertime employment for boys and girls. The Chesapeake Corporation never lost a penny while these kids worked and Lacy proved to them the value of a job and a paycheck. Lacy was a lifelong member of the West Point First Baptist Church.
The family will receive friends 5-8 PM Monday October 7th at Vincent Funeral Home, 417 11th Street, West Point Va. A funeral service will be held 11 am Tuesday at West Point First Baptist Church, 414 Main Street, West Point, VA 23181. Burial will follow in Sunny Slope Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made in his honor to the West Point High School Athletics, 2700 Mattaponi Ave, West Point, VA 23181, or to the VCU Palliative Care, Box 843042, Richmond, VA 23284-3042.
