Norman Lee Dougherty

Norman Lee Dougherty was born on August 25, 1937 in Black Mountain, NC and died on March 20, 2023 at CarePartners Solace Center in Asheville, NC surrounded by his family.

While technically 85 years old, Norman stopped counting at 39. He will be remembered for his fierce loyalty to friends and family, his passion for tennis and woodworking, and his deep love of the Western North Carolina Mountains.  Though he was a bit stubborn, his calm and gentle nature was always present. When asked how he was doing he would often respond “Finer than a frog hair, split four ways,” regardless of how he felt. His sense of humor was unmatched; it was subtle and offbeat, and in his later years alarming at times, occasionally staging falls to keep everyone on their toes. Those who knew him will remember his mischievous grin and the twinkle in his eyes. Norman saw and believed the best in people.  He always made time for family and friends, ready to lend a hand to anyone in need.

Norman graduated from Charles D. Owen High School, and attended Warren Wilson College and AB-Tech.  He received training in electronics while serving in the United States Air Force in Japan and Nebraska.  His fondest memories during those years included his dear friend and fellow Airman Milton Hersey.  After moving back to Black Mountain, Norman and Rosa raised their two children and later two granddaughters, while opening their home to many beloved nieces and nephews. Norman enjoyed various volunteer activities through the years at Black Mountain Presbyterian Church and with the Town of Black Mountain.  Norman retired after a long career with Southern Bell in 1995.  In his spare time during retirement, you could find him tinkering around his garage with home projects or helping friends with theirs.

Otherwise, he could be found on the tennis court.  He was a charter board member of the Black Mountain Tennis Association in the 1980’s where he served until 2020.  He organized the Wisemen’s Morning Tennis Group for over fifteen years and helped with the planning and execution of many events for the Black Mountain tennis community. 

Norman is survived by the love of his life, Rosa Whitaker Dougherty, daughter Susan Dougherty Buchanan, grandchildren Talae Lee Tuitele White (Brian), Rosa Lynn Tuitele (Ben Asbury), sisters Connie McMeans and Teresa Michaels, and many nieces and nephews. 

He was predeceased by his son Paul Dougherty, grandchildren David and Sarah Dougherty, siblings Walter Dougherty, Ruth Caruso, Betty Pettit, and parents Lola Sloan Dougherty and Charles Albert Dougherty. 

The family will receive friends to celebrate Norman’s life at the Monte Vista Hotel on May 20th from 2 until 4pm.  Please drop in to enjoy refreshments and share stories of Norman.  In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation, 1 East Wacker Drive, Suite 1730, Chicago, IL 60601, or online at dystonia-foundation.org/donate-other-ways/donate-online/. 

Online condolences may be made at www.penlandfamilyfuneralhome.com

Penland Family Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Dougherty family at this time.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Norman Lee Dougherty, please visit our floral store.