Norman Lee Elam, 86, passed away Friday, August 12, 2022, at his home in Woodsbend, Kentucky. Born June 10, 1936 at Index, Morgan County, Kentucky, Norman was the third of five children of the late Noah Elam and Ida Mae Wells Elam. He proudly spent four years in the U.S. Navy as a machinist aboard the USS Essex aircraft carrier. Upon his return home, he married Betty Ann May on December 24, 1959, enjoying over 60 years together on their farm in Woodsbend until her passing in 2020. Along with his parents, Norman is preceded in death by three sisters, Phyllis Elam Perkins, Betty Lou Elam and Nona Elam Shay. Surviving are his daughter LeAnn Elam Spradling (Michael) of Woodsbend, Kentucky and a special granddaughter, Annie Burns Spradling Clark (Casey) of Ashland, Kentucky. He also leaves behind a sister, Linda Elam Blackburn (William), nephew Greg Elam (Kathryn) all of Lexington, Kentucky, a sister-in-law, Eleanor May Ferguson of Grassy Creek, Kentucky and many special nieces and nephews.

Norman is fondly remembered by many Morgan Countians he came in contact with during his working years at Lycoming and U.S. Shoe Factories and while administering driver’s tests for the Kentucky State Police. From an early age, growing up in Index, Norman loved the land and farming. He was an avid fisherman and hunter; always with a passion for nature and wildlife. He loved sharing his knowledge and respect of the land with family and many friends. Later in life, he took great joy in watching wildlife on his farm, especially birds at the many feeders in his backyard. A bird identification guide and binoculars could always be found sitting beside his recliner.

Funeral services will be held 1 p.m., Tuesday, August 16, 2022 at Potter Funeral Home, West Liberty, Kentucky with Reverends Robert Stilson and Jason Moore officiating. Burial will be at the May Cemetery in Woodsbend, Kentucky, with Morgan County DAV to conduct military services at the graveside. Visitation from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Tuesday, August 16, 2022 at the funeral home.

Serving as pallbearers are Casey Clark, Andrew Elam, Jeff Kinney, Brian Evans, Brandon Evans and Deb Pack.

Norman was a longstanding member of the Woodsbend Community Church. It was his request in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to Woodsbend Community Church, 4605 Highway 705, West Liberty, KY 41472.