A. Norman Delong

A. Norman DeLong of Tucker, GA, died suddenly May 15, 2020. He was born at home, April 1, 1930, in Atlanta, GA. During his senior year at Bass High School, on a blind date he met the love of his life and future bride, Barbara Ann Burdick.

After working for TVA throughout the Southeast, he was drafted during the Korean War Era and worked as a Civil Engineer on assignment in Germany. Barbara joined him overseas and their first child was born in Stuttgart.

After returning home, Norman graduated from Georgia Tech, attending on the GI Bill, while working full-time and supporting his family, now with three children.

Norman began his 53-year career with Patterson and Dewar Engineers in 1954. Licensed as a Professional Electrical Engineer in six states, he worked all over the Southeast. He stepped down as President and Chairman of the Board at the age of 65 though he continued working as an engineer, serving his clients, who were also his friends, until retiring at age 77.

Norman and Barbara raised their four children in DeKalb County where they were active church members. Norman served in leadership roles, first at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Tucker and later at Eastminster Presbyterian Church in Smoke Rise.

Norman loved Georgia Tech football, the Atlanta Falcons, and was always a Braves baseball fan, long before it was cool. He enjoyed playing church-league softball for decades, and was an avid tennis player. He also coached his son’s baseball teams and his daughters’ softball teams. He enjoyed playing bridge, reading, solving crossword puzzles, and watching the hummingbird antics from his front porch.

A quintessential southern gentleman, he was well respected and remembered for his inspirational leadership, integrity, and humility. All who met Norman appreciated his genuine kindness and openly joyous laugh. At 6’6” he towered over those around him and surprised them with his gentle ways.

Norman was predeceased by his wife, Barbara, son, Steven Terry DeLong, and grandson, Colton Daniel Hudson. He is survived by his three daughters, Audrey DeLong (Bob Hudson), Bonnie Kimmey (Jim), and Beverly Knoechel (Walt); grandchildren, Hunter Hudson, Sydney Knoechel, Grant Knoechel; and generations of nieces and nephews.

The family will receive guests from a safe distance in the parking lot of Eastminster Presbyterian Church in Smoke Rise, on Thursday, May 21, from 3pm to 7pm. A private, family service will be recorded and made available in the coming days. Please check back to this memorial page for the video to be posted for viewing. In lieu of flowers, Norman would wish for donations to Eastminster Presbyterian Church.

The Memorial Service for Norman DeLong was recorded live and is accessible for viewing on the Tribute Wall page. Click the tab above to be directed to the page to watch the video, or to see the slide show photos.