Norman Watt Lassiter

Norman W. Lassiter, age 91, passed away peacefully Friday, July 26, 2024. Norman was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend.

 Preceding Norman in death was his wife, Bert Lassiter, who passed away in 1992. Also, preceding Norman in death were his parents Audrey and Argel Lassiter; his grandparents, Agnes and Chalmers Hurlbert, Mrs. Jeanette Lassiter; Ken Williams and Terri Murphy. 

 Those left to cherish Norman’s memory are his wife, Bette, his children, Kathy Allen (Steve), Debbie McCabe (Tim), Kent Lassiter (Melissa), and Deanna Tilley (Gary); his grandchildren, Katie Allen, Anna Clark (Ben), Amy Rudolph (Ryan), Mindy Boyce, Emilee Heinrich, Cody Tilley, and Cassidy Tilley; and 7 great grandchildren, Tyler, Logan, Gracie, Aubrie Kate, Bentley, Jax, Maddox, Violet Lou, and Adaleigh Lanell.

 Born on July 24, 1933, in Gulfport, Mississippi, Norman grew up in Arlington, Virginia, until returning to the Mississippi Gulf Coast in 1950 where he graduated with the Gulfport High School class of 1951. Norman attended Ole Miss briefly before joining the Navy in 1952 and served as a dental technician during the Korean War. Norman continued his service in the Naval Reserves until 1960. 

 As a young boy, he spent countless hours on the baseball diamond. His love for the sport remained a central part of his life. He could recount details of games from decades past and would often share these anecdotes with anyone who would listen.

 In addition to his love for baseball, Norman was a devoted family man. He took great delight in spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren and many others that he considered family. He was a longtime member of Grace Memorial Baptist Church where he began a lifelong ministry of teaching preschool children. Most recently, he was an active member of Bayou View Baptist Church where he taught Sunday School for preschoolers for over 30 years! He had a great love for the children he taught and their families. 

 Norman, aka Dad, Pawpaw, Mr. Norm, Mr. Norman, will be remembered for his unwavering love of GOD, his family, his passion for baseball, and his remarkable kindness to all who knew and loved him. His memory will forever be a cherished part of our lives. 

The family would like to thank the staff at Summerfield Assisted Living who cared for and loved him over the last three years. We would like to also thank the Biloxi VA Hospice facility. 

 In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the children’s ministry at Bayou View Baptist Church, Gulfport, MS, or any charity of your choice. 

 A celebration of Norman’s life will be held at 11:00 am Monday, July 29, 2024, at Bayou View Baptist Church, in Gulfport, MS. A public visitation will precede the service at 10:00 am. A graveside service will be held following the service at Floral Hills Cemetery in Gulfport, MS. 

 Riemann Family Funeral Home, Gulfport, is serving the family. Please visit www.riemannfamily.com where memories and photos may be shared.