Norman Joseph Blais

Norman Joseph Blais, age 88, of Madison, AL, formerly of Greensboro, GA passed away peacefully Sunday, July 16, 2017 in Madison, AL and is now reunited with his beloved wife Joan for eternity.  
Born in Cranston, RI on March 5, 1929, Norm was the son of the late Charles Earl Blais and Exilia Chartier Blais. He graduated from Manhattan College earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering and married his wife Joan Waldo in 1950.  Together they lived in locations that spanned from Maine to California, finally settling in Greensboro in 1992.

Norm was a big man both physically and in character and was a leader his entire life.  He was a track star in high school and college, an officer in the Navy by age 25, a corporate executive by his early 30s and president/CEO of several companies.  His compassion and empathy for his employees was obvious and his home contained many artifacts and expressions of appreciation from his teams.  

Upon settling in Greensboro, Norm was quite active in the community.   He belonged to the Board of Directors of Greene County Hospital and Habitat for Humanity, and served as Treasurer of Christ our King and Savior Catholic Church.  He joined the Old Salem Fire Department when it consisted of a few volunteers and a couple of derelict trucks, and helped build it into the modern and efficient service and source of community pride that it is today.   He also served as a first responder for years and diligently responded to emergencies 24 hours a day.   Norm formed a golf group at Reynolds Plantation that welcomed new members to the community through its emphasis on fun and fellowship.  “The Blais Group” became an institution at Reynolds that continued for over 20 years.  
 
Although Norm’s physical abilities declined over time his mental skills never wavered.  At age 80 he taught himself to write complex database-driven computer programs that he provided to others for free.  Norm served as the single care-giver for his wife Joan during her multi-year decline in health that ended in August, 2008, two months shy of their 58th wedding anniversary. At no time during those years did he ever complain or ask for assistance in what was a truly remarkable display of strength, character and compassion.  

In addition to his wife Joan, Norm was preceded in death by his brother, Earl Blais. He is survived by five daughters, Kathleen Clark-Colton and husband Gary of Aurora, IL, Margaret Hemmens and husband Tim of Aurora, IL, Susan Parham of Panama City, Panama, Patricia Blais of Birmingham, AL and Denise Blais of Felton, CA; a son, Richard Blais and wife Debra of Madison, AL, many grandchildren and great grandchildren, and a host of other relatives and friends. 

A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, July 22, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. at Christ Our King and Savior Catholic Church with Father John Adamski officiating. Interment will follow at Greenview Cemetery, Memorial Drive, Greensboro, GA.  Serving as pallbearers are Richard Blais, Wayne Smith, Marie Lashley, Gary Colton, Alex Little and Richard Armstrong. McCommons Funeral Home, 109 W. Broad St., Greensboro, GA, (706) 453-2626, is in charge of arrangements. Visit us at www.mccommonsfuneralhome.com to sign the online guest register. 

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