JAY — Norman E. Bryant, 92, of Jay, went peacefully to be with his Lord, his wife Natalie, and daughter Claudia, on Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2015, at his home in Jay. He was cared for by his loving family and passed holding the hand of his great grandson Allen.
Norman was the youngest of six, born to Ernest and Myrtle (Harlow) Bryant in Riley on Oct. 26, 1922.
He grew up in Riley and graduated from Jay High School in 1942. During World War II he served as a Corporal in the United States Army as an M.P and a Medic. On May 2, 1946, he married Natalie Louise Meader and together they raised their four daughters, Claudia, Kathryn, Emily and Betty. He worked for the I.P. Mill in Jay for over 42 years.
Norman was an active member of Jay Baptist Church since 1966, and served as head Deacon for many years. He also served as a previous Master of the Mystic Valley Grange, and was a lifetime member of the VFW and AMVETS.
Norman enjoyed gardening with his wife Natalie, generously sharing the vegetables with others. He was a story-teller with a quick wit, and always offered positive insight to those around him. Norman enjoyed watching Lawrence Welk, spending time with his beloved family, and sitting around the kitchen table sharing coffee and conversation with friends and neighbors.
He is survived by his daughters, Kathryn Hamlin and her husband Tom of East Dixfield, Emily Nutt and her husband, Jim of North Jay, and Betty Navarro and her husband Antonio of Farmington; grandchildren, Randy Hamlin, Becky Dolloff, Cathy Taylor, Solomon Nutt, Sarah Nutt, Melissa Lovely, Nicolasa Navarro, Juliana Navarro, Cristina Navarro, and Isabela Navarro; 11 great grandchildren, 5 great-great grandchildren; and his special sister-in-law and companion, Adeline Soucy.
He was predeceased by his wife Natalie; a daughter, Claudia Byrd; and his siblings, Richard, Linwood, Erlon, Ronald, and Ethelyn.
Tributes and condolences may be shared by visiting his memorial page at www.wilesrc.com.
Relatives and friends are invited to visiting hours on Sunday, September 6, 2015 from 6pm to 8pm at Wiles Remembrance Center, 308 Franklin Rd., Jay, ME 04239. A celebration of life service will be held on Monday, Sept. 7 at 11:00 am at the Jay Baptist Church, 27 Smith Ave., Jay, ME 04239. Norman’s great grandson, Allen Hamlin will be officiating. Interment will take place at a later date. Remembrance gifts in memory of Norman may be sent to: Jay Baptist Church, P.O. Box 1, Jay, ME 04239.
I so enjoyed seeing Norm when he came in the Jay Hannaford! He was such a sweet, kind man full of compliments! My thoughts and prayers go out to his family!
Mr. Byrant was a sweet, kind man. Condolences to his family. Rest in peace.
Natalie and Norm were the best. Emily Nutt and family– am so sorry for your loss. God bless. Norm was always ready to lend a helping hand for what ever, loved to give out veggies from his garden when I lived in Jay and went to the Jay Baptist Church. Love to all of you at this time. Dottie
So sorry to hear of Norm’s passing; although he is in a better place now. I enjoyed seeing him come in to use the IP gym. Great guy. My condolences to the family.