Norman W. Paschall, “Zeke,” 95 of Atlanta passed away Tuesday, March 3, 2015 at home with family. He was born in Kingstree, S.C., November 5th, 1919 and grew up in Greensboro, N.C.
He is survived by son Norman Van Paschall, daughter Patricia Ann Carroll, son-in-law Michael, niece Bonnie Lockwood, husband David, grand nieces Allison, husband Travis Fluitt, their sons Austin and Daniel and Laura Lockwood, and cousin Katie Kading.
He reached the rank of “Eagle Scout” at the age of 15 and was a lifelong supporter of the Boy Scouts of America, he lived by the Scout Oath and his Christian faith. He graduated at 16 years of age having skipped two grades, his hopes of going to college were dashed by the depression. He began a career in the textile by-products business in 1935, with Railway Supply and Manufacturing Inc, Charlotte, N.C. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1941, and became a flight instructor training “rookies” who called him Pappy. While stationed in Lincoln, Neb. he trained pilots for the B-17 and later the B-29. While in Lincoln he met the love of his life, Barbara Van Gundy, his bride of 67 years who predeceased him in 2013. Together they started their business the Norman W. Paschall Co., Inc., in Atlanta, Ga., 1946. Today it is the oldest continuous operating industry in Peachtree City, having relocated there in 1962. His employees were an extension of family, and he was held in the highest esteem by his vendors and customers both domestic and abroad.
He served as president of the Textile Fiber and By-Products Association, president of the National Cotton Batting Institute, he was highly respected and known for his integrity, honesty and leadership in the industry. He was a devoted United Methodist, serving as chairman of the board of Peachtree Road United Methodist Church in 1973-75, president of the Friendship Sunday School class, chairman of the Lake Junaluska Assembly (Methodist Retreat), chairman of the INSA, International Nursing Services Association, chairman of the board of trustees of the Wesley Woods Foundation, chairman Emeritus of Reinhardt College, recipient of the John Wesley Laity Award, charter member of the Cherokee Town and Country Club and member of the Atlanta Athletic Club. Perhaps his greatest passion outside of family, church and business was serving Reinhart University where he received two honorary degrees. He loved fishing and golf, attending the Masters for over sixty years and adopted Georgia Tech as his college team and was an avid Braves and Falcons fan.
A Memorial Service will be held March 8, Sunday 3 p.m. at The Peachtree Road United Methodist Church, main sanctuary with a reception to follow.
In Lieu of flowers memorials may be made to: Peachtree Road United Methodist Church, Daisy Davies Educational Foundation, 3180 Peachtree Rd. NE, Atlanta, Ga. 30305, or Reinhardt University, 7300 Reinhardt Circle, Waleska, Ga. 30183.
A. S. Turner and Sons Funeral Home and Crematory, Decatur – www.asturner.com
