Norman Lee Bickham, 74, of Orange, passed away on December 25, 2020 at his home.
A memorial gathering will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 29, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange.
Born in Dequincy, Louisiana, on March 31, 1946, he was the son of James Arnold Bickham and Lucille (Berry) Bickham. Norman proudly served in the National Guard as well as the United States Army in the 82nd Airborne Division. During his working career Norman worked for Alpha Portland, Unical, and Goodyear for many years as an operator, but his true passion was his farm and his black angus cattle. You could always find Norman outside on his tractor, accidentally killing his wife’s flowers or at the local Tractor Supply. He loved spending time hunting and always kept his family and friends laughing at his jokes and pranks. Norman was a family man and was also known as “PaPaw” to his grandchildren whom he adored. He had a soft heart with a tough exterior but above all was a gentleman. Norman left an impact on everyone he came in contact with and will be dearly missed by those who had the pleasure of knowing and loving him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Lucille Bickham; brother, Jim Bickham; and baby sister, Shirley Ann Bickham.
He was survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Sylvia Bickham; children, Stacey Risinger and husband James of Orange and Dawn Starnes and husband John of Prairieville, Louisiana; fur baby and best friend, Breeza; grandchildren, Dakota Risinger and wife Jessica, Kristian Bollenbacher and husband Tyler, Maegan Hebert and husband Chasin, Cyrena Petersen, Kyana Petersen, Sophia Risinger, Colt Risinger, Oscar Ashworth and Tegan Smeigh, Lauren Sproat and husband Kenny; great grandchildren, Lincoln, Hudson, Blakely, Jagger, Cameron, Brennon, Kensleigh, and Violet; siblings, Billy Bickham and wife Avis, Gladys Rodriquez, Burlis Bickham and wife Barbara, and Joe Bickham and wife Marie; and numerous other family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to either OCARC or the Women’s Shelter.
Cremation will be under the direction of Claybar Funeral Home.