Mr. Norde David Wilson

Norde David Wilson died peacefully on October 2, 2014, at the Glenn A. Kiser Hospice House in Salisbury, North Carolina. Norde was born in St. Cloud, Florida, August 24, 1933. He was the son of the late Ruth Driggers Wilson and Samuel Arthur Wilson, a World War II veteran who is buried in Salisbury National Cemetery. Norde attended elementary schools in Morganton, Marion, and Old Fort, North Carolina. While in Old Fort, he lived with his Aunt Bessie Walker and cousin Wallace and his 13 siblings. His parents died when he was a young teenager and the E.H. Norris family invited him to live with them in Sebring, Florida, where he attended high school . Following high school graduation, Norde was drafted into the U.S. army and served three years as an Honor Guard in the 3rd Army. After being discharged from the army, he attended the University of Florida for one year, then transferred to Baldwin Wallace College in Berea, Ohio, where he obtained his degree in economics. Norde loved the military and he loved airplanes, so at age 28, he enlisted into the U.S. Navy. After training in Pensacola, Florida, he was assigned to squadron VF 92 at Miramar Naval Air Station in San Diego, California, as a Radar Intercept Officer in the F4B Phantom Jet. He flew 325 combat missions off the decks of the USS Ranger and the Nuclear Carrier USS Enterprise. In 1965 His Squadron was sent to Virginia to bring the “Big E” with its crew of 5000 men, around to the west coast. During ceremonies on the ship, Norde was awarded the Navy Air Medal and nine gold stars for “heroism and valor displayed” during bombing strikes over enemy-held territory. He was also awarded the Navy Commendation Medal for “individual courage and skills exhibited.” On August 29, 1965, Norde married the former Kay Goodman of Salisbury, whom he met in San Diego where she was teaching school. After being discharged from the Navy in 1966, he came to Salisbury and joined his father-in-law Ree Goodman at Salisbury Millwork. After Ree retired, Norde served as President and General Manager until the business was lost to a fire in 2008. Norde liked adventure and travel. In recent years, he and Kay made several trips to European countries and across the United States. They spent much of their time at their home in Sebring, Florida, where they enjoyed golfing, cycling and spending time with good friends. Being avid Duke Basketball fans, they rarely missed a home game in Cameron. Norde was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, the Kiwanis Club, Carolina Historic Aviation Commission and Museum and a past member of the Salisbury Country Club. Norde’s biggest passion in life was his family, always ready to grab every opportunity to be with them. He was a fitness enthusiast, which served him well in his fight against cancer. He felt that he had much to live for, and did his best to live. Preceding him in death in addition to his parents was a brother, Von Arthur Wilson. In addition to his wife, Kay Goodman Wilson, Norde is survived by his sons Norde David Wilson, Jr.(Jennifer) of Salisbury; Gray Goodman Wilson(Allison) of Indian Land, SC; and Katie Wilson Hart(John) of Keswick, Virginia. He had six grandchildren: Saylor Gray Hart, Sophie Danner Hart, Samuel David Wilson, Molly Braun Wilson, Ella Claire Wilson, and Graham Goodman Wilson. Also left to cherish his memories are two sisters, Arden Wilson Chatt of Louisville, Kentucky and Sally Norris Higgins of Tallahassee, Florida; two brothers Malcom Norris of Sarasota, Florida and Gene Norris of Medina, Ohio. His Family expresses very deep gratitude to the caring staff and nurses in the Oncology Unit at the Salisbury VA Hospital, especially to Dr. Michael Goodman, and also to the dedicated and supportive nurses with Hospice and the Kiser Hospice House. Thank you for your compassion and love as Norde completed his journey. We feel blessed. No words can express our appreciation to our good friends Tippie Miller and Mary Goodman, who were by our sides every step of the way. A celebration of Norde’s life will be held Thursday, October 9, 2014 at 3:00PM at St. John’s Lutheran Church, with Pastor Rhodes Wooley officiating. The family will receive friends following the service at the Wilson home, 501 Maupin Avenue. At other times, the family will be at the home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Norde’s name to The Glenn A. Kiser Hospice House/Rowan Hospice Palliative Care, 612 Mocksville Ave, Salisbury, NC 28144. Summersett Funeral Home is serving the Wilson family. Online condolences can be made at www.summersettfuneralhome.com

Mr. Norde David Wilson

August 24, 1933 - October 2, 2014