Norman Dean Pumphrey

Col. Norman Dean Pumphrey, USA Retired, passed away on July 6, 2018, at Baptist Hospital in Little Rock, Ark. He was born in Sheridan, Ark., on Feb. 19, 1932. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Lela Dale "Kitty" Pumphrey; his sons, Norman D. Pumphrey Jr. (Anita), Gregory C. Pumphrey (Debbie), and David L. Pumphrey (Shannon); his sisters, Retha Bush (Bill), Sandra Humphreys (Oliver), and Sherry Clark (Gary); his step-children, Sylvia Roland (Donnie), Joe McDaniel, and Chris McDaniel (Andrea); 14 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; the mother of his sons, Bobbye Winbury Pumphrey Brengard; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, John Winfred and Ruby Walker Pumphrey and his sister, Joy Sumner (Bill). Norman was both a registered engineer and a registered land surveyor. During his working years he was able to build two successful careers. He joined the Arkansas Highway Department at a very early age and eventually served as State Construction Engineer before his retirement in 1985. Simultaneously, he served in the National Guard and U.S. Army Reserves, serving a few years on active duty, rising in the ranks until his retirement as a Colonel in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Following his retirement from the AHTD, Norman and Kitty relocated to Idaho, where they lived for almost 20 years before moving to the United Arab Emirates and eventually to Egypt. In addition, he lived one year in New Zealand. In his retirement, Norman and his wife traveled extensively, visiting every state in the U.S.A. as well as all of the Canadian provinces and territories. Norman also traveled internationally, visiting over 30 countries. Norman was a devout Christian and a devoted husband, father, son, brother, and grandfather. He believed in the teachings of the Bible. Norman will be missed by those he left behind, but his family takes refuge in the promises of 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14. Visitation will be at Buie Funeral Home in Sheridan, Ark., on Monday, July 9, 2018 from 10-11 a.m., with the funeral service following at 11 a.m. Interment will follow in Philadelphia Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to King of Kings Lutheran Church, 14023 South Casper St. West, Glenpool, Okla. 74033; or First Landmark Missionary Baptist Church, 402 West Center St., Sheridan, Ark. 72150. Arrangements by Buie Funeral Home of Sheridan, (870) 942-3231. Sign online guestbook at www.buiefuneralhome.com.