Obituaries

Norman Merle Ard
Sept. 22, 1943 – Dec 4, 2016

Norman Merle Ard, 73, of Miflin, Alabama, died Dec. 4, 2016, of respiratory failure.

He was born Sept. 22, 1943, in Muskegon, Michigan, to the late Raymond (Joe) and May Dalson Ard.

Mr. Ard graduated from Foley High School. After completing his bachelor of arts degree from Troy State University in August 1969, he married Mary Byrd on Aug. 16, 1969.

Norman Merle Ard

He later earned a master of science degree in counseling from the University of West Florida.

He was a retired educator, serving as a teacher and a counselor in Bay County, Panama City, Florida, from 1969 to 1999. He was selected as school counselor of the year in 1999 for Bay County, Florida.

Mr. Ard was an active member of Swift Presbyterian Church, where he served as an elder and Sunday school teacher. He also served on the Swift Church Preschool board of directors.

He was an avid bridge player and attained the rank of ruby life master. He loved working in his yard, cutting grass on his zero-turn mower, teaching his Sunday school class, doing daily crossword puzzles, and watching “Dr. Phil” and “Jeopardy.”

After retirement, Norman and Mary enjoyed traveling in the United States and Canada in their motor home. Norman is survived by his beloved wife of 47 years, Mary Ard; a sister, Lillie (Clyde) Lipscomb; a brother-in-law, Jimmy Byrd; and several nieces and nephews.

A funeral service was held at Swift Presbyterian Church on Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2016, at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made for the Swift Church Preschool at Swift Presbyterian Church, 23208 Swift Church Road, Foley, AL 36535.

Text of the funeral sermon preached by Pastor Keith Cardwell

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