Remembering Norman Earl Adams and His Lifelong Commitment to Family, Faith, and Service

by Andy Adams on August 13, 2026 at 5:04 PM

Norman Earl Adams was called home by Christ Our Savior and reunited with his bride Debbie Sue on August 8, 2026. Norman was born on December 21, 1944, to Maurice Griffin (M.G.) and Dorothy Adams in Bainbridge, Georgia, the second of their three children. Donald (Don) was his older brother, and Shirley was his younger sister. The Adams family settled in the Houston area in 1947. Norman attended elementary school at Our Savior Lutheran School, where he met the love of his life, Debbie Sue Sherrill, in the first grade. Norman and Debbie were confirmed together at Our Savior Lutheran Church (OSL). They attended Black Junior High, Reagan High School, and Waltrip High School, where Norman played varsity football as a 148‑pound defensive safety under Coach Les Burton.

After graduating from Waltrip High School, Norman went to work as a draftsman for Capitol Iron and Steel and attended night school at the University of Houston, but he soon found that he did not have the patience for either pursuit. Norman and Debbie married in 1964, and that same year Norman went to work with Maurice at Adams Insurance Service.

Norman quickly discovered his talent for salesmanship and customer service. So began a six‑decade career in insurance. Norman built a reputation for bringing energy and passion to everything he did. In the 1990s, “Stormin’ Norman” stuck as a nickname. Through the years, many of his business associates became his close friends. Norman forged deep and life‑long friendships with men like Ralph and John L. Marek, Jack Fields, Jerry Stovall, J.R. Moseley, and John Norkus. Norman also had a talent for recruiting and building a team at the Agency. Many enjoyed 30 and 40‑year careers working with Norman and Adams Insurance. Norman looked upon them all as his family, and they returned that same love in kind.

Norman and Debbie raised two children, Tracy Lynn and Andrew Allan. Norman took a “full contact” approach to parenting. Half efforts were not acceptable, and quitting was NEVER an option. But once the job was done, no one was more generous at rewarding the accomplishment or better at consoling an effort that came up short. Norman was never shy about saying “I love you” or belting out “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown” at the cruise ship piano bar.

As President of Our Savior Lutheran Church, Norman poured himself into the purchase, development, and construction of OSL’s campus on Tidwell Road. No detail was too small. He insisted on being with the crew that set the three pieces of the 32‑ton steeple in place to make sure it fit. It was a perfect fit. Norman and Debbie also fiercely supported the ministers and teachers at OSL, admiring their sacrifice and dedication.

In politics, Norman was never content sitting on the sidelines. He was a Texas Republican long before it was cool, but labels never mattered when he believed in an issue. He was a fierce defender of the unborn, fought Republicans over state franchise and property taxes, and worked with Democrats on immigration reform. In recent years, his favorite political engagement was handing out free “Make America Great Again” hats to anyone who wanted one.

Perseverance and fearlessness were Norman’s greatest strengths. He was always looking for the next challenge. Temperance and patience were not virtues that came easy to him, but a harsh word would soon give way to a kind one. Norman knew he was a broken vessel in need of a Savior, and Our Lord used both his talents and his flaws for His purposes. These last few years since losing Debbie Sue were among his most challenging. His body was breaking down and he could no longer be the active “Stormin’ Norman” everyone knew. He was ready to be with Debbie again and ready for Jesus to take him home. He received the body and blood of Jesus Christ at home on Friday afternoon, and on Saturday evening he was in the presence of his Lord and Savior and his beloved Debbie Sue.

Norman is preceded in death by his parents Maurice (M.G.) and Dorothy Adams, his brother Don Adams and wife Francis, and his beloved wife of 58 years, Debbie Sue. Norman is survived by his daughter Tracy and husband Mark Dacus, his son Andrew Adams and wife Amy, and their children, “Pappy’s” grandchildren, Isabella, Benjamin, Samuel, and Livia Adams, Norman’s sister Shirley and husband Bo Roddenberry, his brother‑in‑law Bill Sherrill and wife Pat, his sister‑in‑law Wendy Carter, and many nephews, nieces, cousins, church family, business associates, and friends who loved and respected him.

“Lord, now you are letting Your servant depart in peace according to Your word; For my eyes have seen Your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all people; a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people, Israel.” Luke 2:29‑32

A Service of Thanksgiving and Remembrance for Norman E. Adams will be held on Saturday, August 22nd at 2:00 PM at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 5000 W. Tidwell Rd., Houston, Texas 77091. Immediately following the service, refreshments will be served and the family will be available for visitation in the cafeteria of Our Savior Lutheran School. The family respectfully requests that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Forward Faithfully Building Fund of Our Savior Lutheran Church.