Norman M. Buck

Norman Milton Buck, age 95, of Ocala, Florida passed away peacefully on May 9, 2026. A memorial service celebrating his life will be held on May 27 at 12:00 p.m. in the chapel of McEachern Memorial United Methodist Church, 4075 Macland Road, Powder Springs, Georgia 30127. The family will receive friends immediately following the service.

Norman was born on August 19, 1930, in Bridgeport, Connecticut. During the hardships of the Great Depression, his family returned in 1932 to their hometown in Finland, where they lived in a Swedish-speaking community. Norman proudly carried the Swedish accent that became one of his trademarks throughout life - often bringing smiles and conversation wherever he went. 

As a young boy, Norman attended school six days a week until the outbreak of World War II brought great changes to daily life. When the schools closed during the war, he was needed to help work on the family's small farm. Those early experiences shaped in him a deep work ethic, resilience, and quiet determination that would define the rest of his life. 

Before his 18th birthday, Norman returned to the United States to preserve his American citizenship. He began working as an apprentice in tool and die manufacturing, mastering the trade through hard work and perseverance. In time, he fulfilled the American dream by successfully opening and operating his own tool and die shop, a source of great pride and accomplishment. 

Norman will be remembered for his strong spirit, his independence, his stories, his unmistakable accent, and the love he shared with family and friends throughout his long and meaningful life. 

He is survived by his brother, Erik Buck; his daughter, Rev. Cindy Blocksidge; his best friend Russ; Scott McGuire and Valerie; Jim McGuire and Marybeth; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; along with nieces and extended family members who will cherish his memory.