James Norvell

James Edgar Norvell died April 15, 2019 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma at the age of 93 years 2 months 17 days. Graveside services are scheduled for 2:00 PM, Friday, April 19, 2019 at Hillside Cemetery, entrusted to the care of Wadley’s Funeral Service.

James was born January 29, 1926 in Purcell, Oklahoma to John and Etta Mae (Tippit) Norvell. He was raised in Purcell, graduating in 1943. On November 13, 1943, James was inducted into the United States Air Force, proudly serving during World War II. After being honorably discharged on May 11, 1946, he continued his education at the University of Oklahoma with a course of study in Civil Engineering. In his early years, James was a member of Holy Apostles Episcopal Church. He taught Sunday School and was the Director of the Children’s School. James also worked as a civilian contractor for Tinker Air Force Base for many years. He and his wife, Goldie, spent 28 years together before her passing in 2006. James enjoyed fishing, reading history about world war II and refinishing furniture.

James is preceded in death by his parents, John and Etta Mae Norvell; wife, Goldie Norvell; sister, Juanita Norvell Hammond; his cousin who was like a brother, Bill Tippit. Survivors include his daughters, Kathy Wilkins and husband, Doug, Karen Lowe and husband, John; son, John Norvell and wife, Susan; grandchildren, Jennifer Smoot, Jeff Smoot, Chris Wilkins, Zack Eastep, Joshua Jiles, Lauren West and husband, Jake, William Looney and wife, Michelle; great grandchildren, Rhys, Rylan, Sloan, Quincey; his cousins who were like siblings, Pete Tippit, Peggy Johnson, Charles "Corky" Tippit; and numerous other relatives and friends.