Norman Dixon Faircloth

Telling the Bees

Norman Dixon Faircloth of High Point, North Carolina passed away peacefully surrounded by family at his home on January 27, 2021.

Norman ‘Butch’ Faircloth was born to A.L. and Mozelle Faircloth in High Point on April 28, 1938. He attended Union Hill Elementary and Jamestown High School upon graduating in the class of 1956. Norman attended Mars Hill College, Richmond Professional Institute, and High Point College, where he graduated in 1960 with a B.A. in Art Education. He also attended the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where he earned a Master’s Degree in Education in 1972.

Norman served in the U.S. Air Force from 1960 to 1964 in the Washington Air Defense Sector. He began his art career in 1967 at Guilford Technical Institute as a Commercial Art Instructor and was promoted to Professor, then Department Chair of Advertising and Design. He finished his distinguished career upon retirement from Guilford Technical Community College in 1997.

Norman was civic and community-minded as evidenced by his active membership in the Jamestown, NC Lions Club, where he served as a well-respected club officer. He was the recipient of the Jack Stickley Fellow award from the North Carolina Lions Foundation and the Melvin Jones Fellow award presented by the Lions Clubs International Foundation for his dedicated humanitarian service. Norman also was a Master Beekeeper, Life Member, and officer of the Guilford County Beekeepers while also a member of the North Carolina State Beekeepers.

Norman is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Mary Anna Faircloth Minor.

Norman is survived by his wife of 53 years, Judy Frances Ledbetter Faircloth, daughter Jennifer Faircloth Smith (Chuck), son Brian Derrick Faircloth (Shelly), sisters Merilyn Moss (Jim) and Linda Shultz (Alan),  grandchildren Emily and Sarah Smith, and Avery, Joe, and Natalie Faircloth. Brothers-in-law James, Larry, David Ledbetter, sister-in-law Elaine Fite, and many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Norman’s favorite activities were gardening, creating scenic artwork, being a friend and mentor to his grandchildren, advocating for bees and beekeeping, hunting, fishing, music, and reading. He also loved telling and laughing at funny stories. Though quick with a red pen, he was willing and eager to instruct those that wanted to learn. It’s been said that he had a kind way of passing on his knowledge.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts in Norman’s name to any of the following:
Apiculture Science Fund through the secure online site by searching ‘Give to N.C. State – My Gift’ and selecting ‘Apiculture Science Fund.’
NC Lions Club for the Brighter Vision Fund c/o North Carolina Lions, Inc., PO Box 39, Sherrills Ford, NC, 28673.
Hospice of the Piedmont via hospiceofthepiedmont.org/donate

There will be a celebration of life at later date. Norman’s family wishes to extend our sincere gratitude to Dr. Andy Eskew, Dr. Richard Sater, Dr. Gretchen Valzquez, and the Hospice of the Piedmont.

‘Telling the Bees’ is a European tradition held essential to whisper to beehives of a loved one’s passing. In essence, the bees are informed of the death of their master so they may share in the mourning. Norman’s 82 years on earth were filled with the love of family and friends, the fulfillment of being a teacher, the patriotism of serving his country, the civic-mindedness of bettering his community and those less fortunate, and being a dedicated and loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and friend.

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