- Date Of Birth: August 31, 1947
- Date Of Death: August 8, 2022
- State: Arizona
Norman J. Slone, age 74, passed away suddenly on August 8, 2022. Norm was born in
West Virginia, the sixth of 9 children. He graduated from Concord University, Athens,
West Virginia. He obtained his MBA from the University of Akron while working for the
BF Goodrich Corporation. Norm was employed as a plant controller at BF Goodrich
Chemical in Plaquemine, Louisiana. Later he was assistant controller at Borden
Chemical, also in Plaquemine. The decline of the chemical industry resulted in a move
to Fountain Hills, Arizona in 1986 at the suggestion of his father-in-law, Bill Grigsby.
Norm held several positions here in Arizona. The most prominent was with Jensen
Tools which later became part of Stanley Black and Decker. Norm obtained his CPA
designation later in life, an accomplishment of which he was very proud. Norm was a
successful businessman. He had a great head for numbers. Norm had excellent
management and people skills. He enjoyed working hard to grow several businesses
into very successful operations.
Norm loved music, especially Classic Rock. Rolling Stones was his favorite. He
attended several great concerts, including the Eagles, twice, plus Chicago and Earth,
Wind and Fire. He was a positive person with a great sense of humor. He loved
holidays, but Halloween was his favorite.
Sports was important to Norm. He played baseball and football with his brothers and
friends as he was growing up. Later, he played softball after work in a business men’s
league. Norm and his wife were inaugural ticket holders for the Arizona Diamondbacks
from the first season and several afterward. Norm’s greatest love was college football.
He would spend all Saturday in the fall watching every available football game.
While at Goodrich in Akron, Norm met the love of his life, Claudia Grigsby. The pair
married in 1984 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. They enjoyed a brief honeymoon trip to
Natchez, Mississippi, where they stayed in an antebellum mansion. Norm swore the
louder, the better. He enjoyed driving his Porsche, BMW and has owned several
Mustangs. He and his wife shared a love of animals, having many pets over the years.
He will be missed by current dogs Bella Rose, Zoey and Louie. They will be eating
fewer treats because Dad spoiled them.
Norm is preceded in death by his mother, Louise Gilkerson, step-father Dave Gilkerson
who he called Grandpa Dave, and 5 siblings. He is survived by his loving wife Claudia
of nearly 38 years, brothers Roger (Barbara) Slone, Allan (Paula) Slone and sister Sue
(Bobby) Thomas. He is survived by his son Jack (Marcy) Slone of Florida, Jason
(Shannon) Slone and grandsons Cameron and Landon of North Carolina and many
nieces and nephews. Norm is also survived by step father-in-law Jack Wiggins and
brother-in-law Grant Wiggins (Olivia Sainz) of Tempe, and brother-in-law Elliott Grigsby
(Emma Jo) of Kent, Ohio and extended family.
