SSgt. Norman Lee Gore (USAF Ret) slipped the surly bonds of earth on August 30, 2012 and touched the face of God. Norman was born December 26, 1926 to Jesse Lee Gore and Marie Elizabeth Hardie Gore in Denton, Texas. At an early age, Norman developed a love of flying. As a teenager, he worked at Hartlee Field for a chance to hitch a ride on any and all aircraft taking off. His years of military service in the late 1940's brought him the chance to learn to fly using his GI bill. In fifty years of flying, Norman never lost that love and excitement of his first flight.

Norman married Alice Mills on July 4, 1959, at Highland Baptist Church, Denton, Texas. They left for Stephenville, Newfoundland in just a few days for Norman to complete his assigned tour of duty. Two and one-half years later they returned for duty in New Mexico. After New Mexico, a tour of duty in Bermuda finished his military career and brought the family home to Denton. Years of volunteer service filled his retirement years; thirteen years at the Vintage Retirement Center and more years volunteering at the North Texas State Fair & Rodeo. Flying was still a vital part of Norman's life. For 7-8 years, he was chief tow pilot for the North Dallas Glider Club. Several occasions called for Norman to land in a field to rescue glider pilot who had "ran out of lift." His family often joked he was a better pilot than a driver.

Norman loved his family, his God, his country, and he really loved flying. After close to fifty years of flying, he put his flight log books away.

Norman is survived by his wife of 53 years, Alice; daughter, Sylvia Price (Jeff); brother, Hardie L. Gore and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Tuesday, September 4, 2012, at Mulkey-Mason Funeral Home, 705 N. Locust, Denton, Texas from 6 P.M. until 8 P.M. A private burial will follow at a later date at the Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the American Heart Association.