
HENRICO—Robert James “Bob” Norman passed away on March 12, 2023, soon after moving to Cedarfield in Henrico.
He was a graduate of the US Naval Academy, Class of 1965, and earned a master’s in systems analysis from the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, Calif. During his 28-year career, he served on seven U.S. Navy ships and had command of USS Engage (MSO 443), USS Glover (FF 1098) and USS Yellowstone (AD 41). He is a recipient of The Legion of Merit. Captain Norman retired in 1993.
In 2000, he and his wife, Julie, settled on the banks of Tipers Creek off the Great Wicomico River. They were longtime members of the Great Wicomico Cruising Club and Norfolk Yacht and Country Club. Avid sailors, they sailed thousands of miles onboard their 34-ft Cal sloop, Quest, visiting and anchoring in many creeks and harbors on the Chesapeake Bay, cruising down the U.S. coast, and spending five winters exploring the islands of The Bahamas. He participated for many years with the Great Wicomico River Nutshell racers.
Bob and Julie also loved to travel by land, canal boat and bareboat charter, visiting France, Canada, the Caribbean and South America, via a cruise ship rounding Cape Horn.
Since 1994, they were actively involved in ham radio (KE4OIL/KE4OIM), especially with the Waterway Radio and Cruising Club, where Bob served as commodore and frequently as net control with Julie as fleet captain.
Robert James Norman Jr. was born March 7, 1944 in New York City.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Capt. Robert James Norman and Agnes Stum; and his brother, Col. Kurt D. Norman.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Julie Malone Willman Norman, Henrico; and brothers, Gary D. Norman (Linda), Ocala, Fla., and Kim D. Norman (Tammy), Galveston, Texas.
Capt. Norman’s memorial service and burial will take place at Fort Myer, Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.