Deputy Lewis Honored And Remembered At Funeral
This weekend held two consecutive days of mourning for the loss of local law enforcement, killed in the same manhunt for a suspect accused of murder.
35-year-old Deputy First Class Norman Lewis, “Big Norm,” was killed in a motorcycle crash on January 9th while responding to the manhunt of Markeith Loyd, the suspect accused of killing Orlando Police Sgt. Debra Clayton, along with his pregnant ex-girlfriend in December.
On Sunday, one day following the viewing of Clayton, hundreds of family, friends and law enforcement from as far as England, gathered to pay their respects to Lewis.
Celebrating the legacy of their “Gentle Giant” many remembered the good times they had with Lewis during his three-hour funeral service.
Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings awarded Lewis at his service with the agency’s Purple Heart for his heroic actions responding to help capture Loyd.
Gone way too soon while answering the call to protect and serve this great community for @OrangeCoSheriff .
Rest easy, Big Norm. pic.twitter.com/sCnHl4frgp
— UCF Football (@UCF_Football) January 9, 2017
Demings said the former UCF football player was a one-of-a-kind servant to his community and spent 11 years catching speedy drivers for the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.
“It is a rare police officer who can write you a ticket and you thank him or her for doing so,” Demings said at there service, reported by the Orlando Sentinel.
The 6-feet, 5-inches tall officer had such a kind smile and love for his job that one driver actually wrote a letter to Lewis’ supervisor about a ticket received by Lewis.
“I am poorer in my wallet then when we met, but I am richer for the experience of someone who truly exemplifies a good cop,” the letter read, obtained by the Orlando Sentinel.
The service began with Lewis’ parents, Norma and John, saying their goodbyes. His casket was then closed and a large American Flag was draped over it flanked by 40 flower arrangements.
Lewis’ life was celebrated by a photo montage and songs of worship filling the pews. Another service for Lewis is scheduled for Monday at Murdock Baptist Church in Port Charlotte, followed by his interment at Charlotte Memorial Funeral Home and Gardens in Punta Gorda.
