Frank Marmaduke Norfleet

Frank Marmaduke Norfleet, one of the city's outstanding civic and business leaders went to be with his Lord and Savior on February 17, 2012 at the age of 93. He passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family. He often expressed his gratitude that he had the assurance that every single member of his immediate family, his co-workers, his caregivers, and many friends would spend eternity together. He will be remembered by many who have benefited from his mentoring talents through the years which gave him great satisfaction. A lifelong Memphian, he was born on November 27, 1918. His survivors include the love of his life, Jean Flanigan Norfleet, his wife of 69 years; three daughters: Janet Sheahan (Mike), Jean Laughlin (John) and Frances Thompson (Alex); 7 grandchildren: Peggy Waldrop (Hays), Lisa Riddle (Josh), John Laughlin (Britton), Frank Laughlin (Stephanie), A Thompson (Margaret), Norfleet Thompson, Tread Thompson (Chancey); and 9 great-grandchildren: Hays Waldrop, Duke Waldrop, Kyla Riddle, Hank Riddle, Jack Laughlin, Elizabeth Laughlin, Miles Laughlin, Henry Laughlin, and Sarah Beth Laughlin. He also leaves his brother Dunbar Abston, Jr. (Connie) and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father Cecil M. Norfleet, his mother Esther Cook Norfleet Abston, brother Everett Norfleet and stepfather, Dunbar Abston, Sr. He was awarded the Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster, the French Croix de Guerre (The Battle of the Bulge) and the Silver Star for Valor for his service in WWII. He was publicly elected to two six-year terms to the Shelby County Quarterly Court as a justice of the peace. He was a co-founder of the Mid-South Medical Center Council along with Dr. Bland Cannon; he received the L.M. Graves Memorial Health Award and was honored by the American Jewish Committee. Mr. Norfleet led Parts Industries Corporation as chairman and CEO. He was active in automotive associations and received many awards. In 1979 the company was sold to GKN of England. He was an elder at Second Presbyterian Church and a founding member of the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis. He was also a director of First Tennessee Bank for 18 years and CSX Corp. His heart was in raising funds for MIFA, Rhodes College, PDS, MUS and Hutchison School among many others. He enjoyed his work with Elmwood Cemetery, Memphis Zoo, Society of Entrepreneurs, UT Dev. Council, and as chairman and also president of the Chamber of Commerce. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, polo and tennis. But his greatest joy was traveling with his family. He wrote a book for his family: "Blessings and Joys."

Visitation will be from 1-2:30 p.m., Monday, February 20 in the Sanctuary Lobby at Second Presbyterian Church. A memorial service will follow at 2:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary at Second Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Second Presbyterian Church, Hope Presbyterian Church, MIFA, Church Health Center, LeBonheur, or a charity of the donor's choice.

Canale Funeral Directors
901-452-6400
www.canalefuneraldirectors.com