He was the son of the late Jesse Andrew Stricklin and Martha Louise Gordon Stricklin. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by the love of his life, his wife Jewell Stricklin, and his brother, Thomas Stricklin.

Norman leaves behind a family who meant everything to him—his daughter Dana Smith; son Darryl Stricklin; stepson Kenny (Suzanne) Pratt; stepdaughter Rita (Greg) Henderson; sister Dola Jean Clenney; and brother Don Stricklin. He was a proud grandfather to Lindsey, Jeremy, Emily, Austin, Whitney, Jake, Megan, and Ellen, and a loving great-grandfather to Archer, Leo, Isaac, Anna, Abel, Lynn, Levi, Olivia, Kennedy, and Dylan Kate.

Norman found his greatest happiness in the simple, meaningful moments of life. Whether he was spending time surrounded by his family or sharing stories with his grandchildren, those were the times he treasured most. He had a special appreciation for the things he collected over the years, each item holding a memory or a story of its own. The Tennessee River was another place close to his heart, where he could often be found enjoying the peace and quiet it brought him.

A private family graveside service was held at Qualls Family Cemetery, Pleasantville, TN.