Jeff Norman Obituary- The Clemson Tiger band’s visual assistant, Jeff Norman, sadly passed away on Sunday. Norman is survived by his wife Donna Norman.
Thousands have taken to Facebook to show respect and love to the wonderful band director. Such was the impact of Jeff Norman in his community.
Many of his students in their tribute have called Jeff their bonus/second dad. The two-time recipient of the WYFF4 Golden Apple Teach Award, Jeff worked at several universities.
Greer High School shared a sweet tribute to their Band Director, who passed on December 17. Jeff is gone, but his legacy and influence live on through the lives he touched.
Clemson Tiger Band Staff Jeff Norman Obituary
Jeff Norman worked in the Clemson Tiger’s band as their visual assistant. Last month, on November 25, Norman celebrated his birthday and even attended Tiger’s game a day later.
Last week, on December 11, Jeff shared on his Facebook handle that he was undergoing jaw surgery. Norman said he was undergoing the surgery to help with his sleeping disorder and provide a better quality of life.
He said the recovery time would be six to twelve weeks and that he would be on a strict liquid diet for a week. Jeff also hoped he could eat mashed potatoes and stuff of that nature by week three.
The Tigers band member also shared his disappointment that he won’t be able to attend Tigers Bowl games but said it was a perfect time to complete his surgery.
On December 12, he shared an update post of him and his better half, Donna, traveling to the hospital. Donna and Norman tied the knot on January 30, 1999, and Donna has been with him through his highs and lows.
Jeff’s family hasn’t spoken about his demise, but it is likely the Clemson Tigers band member passed away due to surgery complications. Donna hasn’t shared any posts on Facebook, since her last post coming before Clemson’s match against South Carolina.
Friends Remember Jeff Norman’s Legacy
Since the news of Jeff’s demise broke, several of his friends have taken to their social media handles to post tribute to their late friend.
One of Jeff’s close friends, Akeem Downs wrote, “Today, I am speechless. Jeff Norman was not just a friend but a mentor and someone I looked up to!”
He further wrote, “There were not many band directors who looked like me, so he was a superhero in my eyes. We always laugh and act up at winter guard shows. He was very helpful during my first year of teaching!”
Jeff received his undergraduate degree in music education from Northeast Louisiana University and was also a drum major of the famed “Sound of Today” Marching Band.
He later served as a music educator in South Carolina and earned a master’s degree in music from Radford University in Radford, Virginia.
Jeff previously worked at Wren High and Wren Middle School. His marching arrangements have been played by high school bands in South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida, Georgia, Texas, and Louisiana.
Norman had been working as a band director at Greer High School and was also working as a member of the South Carolina Band Director’s Association.