James Guy Norman III, 76, of Conyers - the former Sheriff of Rockdale County - passed away Monday, Dec. 17, at Abbey Hospice in Social Circle. He was born November 6, 1936 in Wilkes County, Georgia.  For the last five years he fought cancer. Because of his faith we know that he won his battle and has moved on to his reward.

Described as a "man's man," he was too young to be considered a part of the greatest generation but was in fact great. He graduated from North Georgia College in 1958 and received a commission in the United States Army as a Second Lieutenant. He would go on to serve three tours in Vietnam and later retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. He was a hero in many eyes not only because of what he did, but because of the fact that he never really spoke of it. Because of him we have come to learn that the “real deal” never has to speak of the past.

He returned to Georgia and became an important part of the lives of many children and young adults as a Juvenile Investigator for 12 years before serving as Sheriff of Rockdale County for eight years from 1988 to 1996.

He outlived his sister and his brother as well as his wife of 51 years, Julia Hill Norman of Conyers. He leaves behind a loving family of five children son and daughter-in-law Guy and Julie Norman IV, daughter and son-in-law Becky and Shawn Bala, son and daughter-in-law Jeff and Denise Norman, son and daughter-in-law Sam and Marla Norman, daughter and son-in-law Naomi and Chad Crawford. His 17 Grandkids that he loved unconditionally are Carla, Sara, and Amanda Norman; Cody, Braxton, Aly, Bailey Anne, and Garrin Bala; Hillary and Clark Norman; Blaise and Samantha Norman; Brittani, Eli, Lyla Grace, Jorja Brooke and Jacey Crawford. Several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday December 20, 2012 at Zion Baptist Church with Rev. Clay Manley and Dr. Jim Martin officiating.  Interment will be in Resthaven Cemetery in Washington, Ga.  The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday December 19, 2012 from 2-4 p.m/ and 6-8 p.m. and prior to the service on Thursday at the church from noon-2 p.m.

Guests may sign the online guest book at www.wheelerfuneralhome.com. Wheeler Funeral Home 11405 Brown Bridge Rd. Covington, Ga. 30016.