Billy Harlan Norman

Billy Harlan Norman

Billy Norman, 73, of Spearfish, SD, formerly Alaska, died on November 16, 2020 in Spearfish, his loving wife by his side.

The service will be held at 10:30 am November 24th, 2020, Leverington Funeral Home of the Northern Hills, Belle Fourche, SD. Interment will be at Black Hills National Cemetery, with full military honors.

The funeral will be live-streamed, located on Billy’s obituary, on the funeral home’s website: www.LeveringtonFH.com. Friends may leave written condolences there.

Born August 3, 1947 in Sterling, CO, the son of Vyrl and Patricia Norman, his family moved to Belle Fourche, where he graduated high school. Billy served in Vietnam with the U.S. Army from 1966 to 1968. These were heroic years, but years that would change his life due to Agent Orange. He was highly decorated with the Air Medal and 10 Oak Leaf Clusters. He risked his life, serving as a Door Gunner in Huey helicopters. Coming home, he met Sandra Wagner at a Friday night dance. They married on September 1, 1969. To this union was born their daughter Jami, and twins, Randy and Chipper.

The family moved to Alaska. Billy worked real estate. He and Sandy owned Fish Creek Sales, a mail-order business for Bush communities. The Iron Dog Race was his favorite time of year. He competed 5 times. The family eventually moved to Belle Fourche, SD. Billy took over the family farm and Norman Gravel Sales. The following year he was united with his son Todd McLaughlin, who quickly became part of the family.

Billy and Sandy lived a life filled with wonderful memories and adventures. Suffering from the effects of Agent Orange caused Billy’s life to change. He was cared for by his wife before he was admitted to the Spearfish Canyon Healthcare Center in 2019. Together they enjoyed 51 years of marriage.

Billy was a good friend and hard worker who lived life to the fullest. He will be greatly missed.

Billy is survived by his wife, Sandy of Spearfish, SD; daughters, Chipper (Evert) Hill of Rozet, WY, Jami Norman of Anchorage, AK; sons, Randy (Tauna) Norman of Big Lake, AK, Todd McLaughlin of Palmer, AK; 10 grandchildren, Megan “Candy”, Patricia “Buttons”, Alex, Chris, Shane, Mason, Dillyn, Kain, Chaka, James; 6 great grandchildren, Trenton, Sawyer, Aurora, Orion, Cattleya, and Nova. He is also survived by his sister, Lane (Don) Keil of Spearfish, SD; and brother, Mitch (Xiang) Norman of Albuquerque, NM.