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Norman “Wormy” Simerly’s greatest legacy was his kindness and friendship. As his obituary stated, “he was rich in family, friends, adventures, experiences, and memories.”

Simerly died July 6, a few months shy of his 89th birthday.

Simerly was a veteran, proudly serving his country in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. He was a Mason and Shriner, a deacon at King Springs Church of Christ, mechanic by trade, and was also an electrician.

His son, Michael, shared that his many friends and family were convinced that Norman could fix anything. “He enjoyed working in his garage and visiting with friends. Many neighborhood kids in the Central Community called him ‘Dad’ and were as close to him as their own father,” said  Michael.

He shared that there wasn’t a challenge, health worry, or issue that got in the way of his father’s will to live and love his family. “He taught his sons to work hard, provide for their families, and make something of themselves. Failure was not an option for any of his boys, but even if they failed, he would have still loved them and been proud.”

Kaitlyn, one of Simerly’s six granddaughters, noted that when she joined the Navy, she and her grandfather didn’t get to see each other very often, but he mailed her a birthday card every year. “I could tell endless stories about Papaw being my and my sisters’ saving grace in some of the hardest moments of our lives… even at 28, I found much comfort in his hugs, his endless 7-Ups, Cokes, and Dr. Peppers in the fridge I knew were always there, the desserts, and the 30-second phone calls from him, just letting me know he was proud.”

Michael shared that his father was a “blue collar worker.” He earned an associate degree from Herman Robinson Vocational Technical School. Wormy was a mechanic by trade and worked many years at the North American Rayon Plant. In later years he was an electrician.

He got the nickname “Wormy” when he was a teenager. “When he worked in the barn helping to hang tobacco to cure, he was so skinny he could maneuver through the poles like a worm. Many of my friends didn’t know him by any other name,” shared Michael.

“Dad enjoyed working in his garage and he enjoyed the neighborhood kids visiting. He had lots of stories and he enjoyed sharing them. Most of the kids who lived nearby were convinced that Dad could fix anything and he probably could,” Michael said with pride.

Wormy’s youngest son, Matt, shared that his dad grew up the oldest of five brothers, and very poor. “Dad was tough on us boys, but it made us who we are today. Dad loved us unconditionally and fiercely, but it was a hard love. My dad loved his six granddaughters, and often would say, ‘Son, you’re too hard on them girls,’ even I only raised my voice to them,” shared Matt.

“Dad was our backbone, our reason to succeed and do better. His worth could not be measured by wealth as he was the richest man I ever had the pleasure to know. He was and ended his last days being the most courageous and giving person. More importantly he lent his time, energy and resources helping those in need,” Matt concluded.

In addition to Michael and Matt, there is a second son, Mark.

Norman “Wormy” Simerly may not have had a lot of material goods when he left this world, but he accumulated what mattered – family, friends, and the joy of being there for them and lending a helping hand to others. His life was marked by kindness and love, and no doubt he’s entertaining old friends in Heaven with some amusing stories.