Carl "Sonny" S. Norman
of Marianna, AR
September 30, 1930 - January 3, 2026
Carl S. Norman born at home September 30, 1930 to William E. Norman and Marjorie Sutton Norman in Marianna, Arkansas, died Saturday, January 3, 2026.
''Sonny'' and his sister, Virginia S. ''Sissy'' McDonald were raised by their grandparents, Carl and Mary Virginia Sutton in Marianna, Arkansas.
He graduated from T.A. Futrell High School and attended the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville.
He enjoyed working for the U.S. Post Office for 38 years, the last 25 years as a rural letter carrier. He retired in 1989.
He joined the Arkansas National Guard in 1948 as a private and served eight years as enlisted with the last three years as First Sgt. He was commissioned as a second Lt. In 1957 after attending the Base Artillery Course at Fort Sill Oklahoma ranking 13 out of 120 officers. In 1965 during summer camp at Fort Polk, Louisiana, he was chosen as the outstanding Unit Commander in the 39th Infantry Division and was awarded a trophy presented by Adjutant General of Arkansas and presented the George M. Wright Memorial Sword and Scabbard award presented by the Governor of Louisiana. He then completed the following: Advanced Artillery course and qualified as a Nuclear Weapons Employment Officer awarded a pre-fix 5 at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, the Chemical, Biological and Radiological course at Ft. McClelland, Alabama and the Command and General Staff at Fort Levenworth, Kansas. During his career he served in several command and staff positions. He served 48 days on active duty at Little Rock Central during the integration crisis. He was promoted to Major in 1972 and then to Lt. Colonel. He served 35 years in the Arkansas National Guard and transferred to the Army Reserves serving five years and retired in 1990 as a full Colonel.
He joined the First Presbyterian church in Marianna, Arkansas in 1945 and served as a Deacon and Elder with the last 25 years as Clerk of the Session.
He loved to hunt and fish and was a member of Warrior Hunting Club since 1981. He had several memorable fishing trips, three to Canada, one to Alaska, one to Venezuela and two to Brazil. He also spent many hours at Bear Creek Lake where he enjoyed a cabin.
He married Martha R. Davis, one son, Michael Higdon. The marriage ended in divorce.
He married Helen Frederick on May 30, 1953-one son-William Frederick Norman, two daughters, Carol Norman Gerrard (William H. Jr.), Lynn Norman Wilson (Clay), grandchildren, William H. Gerrard, III (Marilyn), Thomas Norman Gerrard, Rachel Pounds Duren (Shon), Laura Helen Norman and Morgan Hayes McAlvin (Matthew), great-grandchildren, Benjamin Thomas Gerrard, Samuel Bateman Gerrard, Jack William Gerrard, William Hugh Gerrard, Avery Helen Duran and Anne Louise Gerrard. The marriage lasted 17 years and ended when Helen died of Cancer at the age of 35.
He married Mamie Jo Brown Carlow October 21, 1972 and gained four step-children, Donald Raymond Carlow (Treva Lynn), Deborah Carlow Dixon (Bart), Monty Irvin Carlow and David Carter Carlow. He was preceded in death by step-son, Donald Carlow.
Step grandchildren, Donald Raymond Carlow Jr., Kelli Amber Stone (Jeff), Jennifer Carlow Kennedy (Clyde), Ryan Carlow, Daniel Carlow and Emily Dixon Miller (Tommy), step great-grandchildren, Larkin Stevens, Karis Watson, Dane Carlow, Paisley Elizabeth Kennedy, Evie Jane Kennedy, Carter Raymond Carlow and Cannon Carlow.
After his retirement he and Mamie Jo enjoyed traveling all over the United States in their travel trailer, especially enjoying time spent at JFK Campground at Heber Springs, Arkansas. They also enjoyed a three-week trip to Europe visiting England, Sweden, France, Italy, and Greece.
Memorials honoring his life can be made to the charity of your choice.
A visitation will be held Saturday, January 10, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. â€" 12:00 p.m. at Roller-Citizens Funeral Home in Marianna, Arkansas. Family & friends may view and sign online guestbook at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/Marianna
Visitation
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Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Citizens Funeral Home
621 West Chestnut Street
Marianna, AR 72360
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com