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Norman “Wormy” Simerly, of Johnson City, family patriarch, father, brother, beloved grandfather and friend to many, went to be with the Lord on July 6, 2024. Norman was a wealthy man! He was rich in family, friends and many adventures, experiences and memories.  

He was born in Erwin, Tenn., on October 3, 1935. He was the son of the late Conley T. “Red” Simerly and Mae Simerly proudly served his country in the USAF during the Korean War.  

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by wife, Phyllis V. Simerly, and brother, Dayton Lynn.  

He was a graduate of EHS and the Robinson Vocational Technical College, earning an associate degree. Additionally, he was very proud to hold the title of Master Mason as a Shriner.  

He was also a very proud member of the King Springs Church of Christ where he served as a deacon. Dad was a mechanic by trade, working many years at the North American Rayon Plant where he also served as the President of the Trade Union. In his later years, Norman worked in the electrical trade. Everyone was convinced that dad could fix anything, and he enjoyed working in his garage and visiting with his many friends. Many neighborhood kids in the Central community called Norman “dad” and kept him as close as their own father. Everyone who knew him loved him. Everyone told Wormy that he needed to write a book of all his stories, and it would be a best seller! Most of dad’s stories were very funny and included things he had gotten involved in over the years.    

Norman leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife, Shelia Woods Simerly; three sons, Michael Simerly (Denise), Mark Simerly (Angie) and Matthew Simerly; step-daughters, Donna Lane (Darrell) and Denise Stanley; grandchildren, Hannah Lyons (Jason), Monica Dauksch (Kurt), Kylie Simerly, Kaitlyn Simerly (Cayla), Megan and Morgan Simerly, and Charlie Lyons; brothers, Edward (Kathy), Kenneth (Patty) and Rick (Teresa); and sister-in-law, Libby. Numerous nieces, nephews and other extended family also survive.

The family of Norman Simerly invites family and friends to meet at Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, on July 9 at 2 p.m. for a celebration of life with Mr. John Ruetz officiating. The graveside service will follow at Happy Valley Memorial Park. The family will receive friends between the hours of noon and 2 p.m. Tuesday, prior to the service. Pallbearers will be Mike, Mark, Matt, Chase, Rick Simerly, Daniel Simmons, Scott Odom and Paul Sparks. Honorary pallbearers include Edward, Kenny Simerly and his many longtime friends. The family would like to thank Dr. Ryan Hackett, Dr. April Lambent-Drwiega and Dr. Nathan Emmert for their compassion and loving care of our father over the years. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Kingsport Shriners at 1100 Jericho Drive, P.O. Box 5548, Kingsport, TN 37663 or King Springs Church of Christ at 1701 Dave Buck Road, Johnson City, TN 37601.  

This obituary was lovingly written by the Simerly family. 

Words of sympathy and comfort may be shared with the family by visiting our website at www.tetrickfuneralhome.com and clicking on share a memory under Wormy’s obituary. 

Tetrick Funeral Home of Elizabethton is honored to serve the family of Norman G. Simerly. Office Phone (423) 542-2232