Norman Wayne Fields

Norman Wayne Fields, 86, passed peacefully into the arms of his Savior, Jesus Christ, and was reunited with his beloved wife, Joyce, on December 9, 2024. Born on September 2, 1938, to George W. Fields and Tommie Grace Marshall Fields, Norman’s life was a testament to love, service, and faith.

In March 1960, Norman joined the U.S. Air Force, beginning a journey marked by dedication and courage. A month later, he married his beautiful wife, Joyce Ann Davis, embarking on a lifelong partnership rooted in love and shared purpose. While stationed in Spokane, Washington, their family grew with the birth of their first son, Michael Wayne. During his military service, Norman Wayne served in the Vietnam conflict, spending a year stationed in Thailand. Upon his return, he was assigned to Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi, where their second son, Kenneth Edwin, was born.

After eight years in the Air Force, Norman transitioned to a civilian career, finding his calling as an electrician at the newly opened International Paper Company in Vicksburg. It was at that time they welcomed the birth of their daughter, Pamela Joyce.  He also co-founded Fields Electrical with his brother, Phil Ray, a venture they pursued enthusiastically until Phil’s untimely passing. Norman continued his work at International Paper Company in Redwood, rising to the role of maintenance supervisor and achieving the distinction of master electrician. After 30 years of dedicated service, he retired, later working at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers part-time.

Norman’s passion for the guitar was a defining aspect of his life. He spent countless hours honing his craft, inspired by his idol, Chet Atkins. He mastered the Chet Atkins finger-style of playing and was instrumental in founding the Chet Atkins Appreciation Society over 40 years ago. There he formed lifelong friendships within this community. Summers were dedicated to family vacations in Nashville, attending the annual CAAS conference—a cherished tradition.

A man of deep faith, Norman served as Sunday School Superintendent and guitarist at the United Pentecostal Church of Vicksburg for many years. He and Joyce were founding elders of Triumph Church of Vicksburg in 1990, a thriving ministry they helped establish as a place of healing and restoration for thousands over nearly 35 years. It was a profound joy for Norman to witness his eldest son, Michael Wayne, become Triumph’s lead pastor in 2001. Norman continued to serve the church as a board trustee and elder until his passing.

Norman is preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Joyce D. Fields; his parents, George and Tommie Fields; and his brothers, Phil Ray Fields and Martel Fields.

Norman is survived by his children, Michael Wayne Fields (Zena), Kenneth Edwin Fields (Patti), and Pamela Fields Walker (Larry); six grandchildren, George Anthony Fields (Deirdre), Candace Melia Fields, Kenneth Derrick Fields (Whitney), Chelsea Fields Whitfield (Bo), Sara Grace Jobe Fields (Jonathan), and Timothy Seth Jobe (Haylee); and ten great-grandchildren, Sophia, Brindle, Raylan, George, Brock, Cooper, Layla, Virginia, Annie Kate, and Brooke. He also leaves behind his brother, Lloyd Fields (Beth), three sisters Sheree Clanton, Lorraine Ghrigsby (Jim), and Rebecca Logue (Michael).  He had a very close bond with each of his siblings, and cherished every moment with them.

Norman’s legacy of love, faith, and service will live on through the countless lives he touched. He will be remembered for his devotion to his family, his unwavering faith, and his masterful guitar playing, which brought joy to so many. May his memory be a blessing.

A Homegoing Service will be held Monday December 16, 2024, at 2pm with a Visitation from 11am until 2 pm all will be held at Triumph Church of Vicksburg. Graveside following the service at Greenlawn Gardens Cemetery with Military Honors. Pastors Mike Fields, Anthony Fields, Randy, and Renee Clark, and Rev. Larry Davis will be presiding over the service. Pallbearers are Anthony Fields, Derrick Fields, Seth Jobe, Leland Fields, Scott Clanton, Jay Ghrigsby, Landon Fields, and Dailon Huskey. Honorary bearers are Paul Fields Jr, Chuck Clanton, and Larry Walker.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Ramona Alleman and Latesha Hopkins who had been caregivers during his illness. And to Danielle and Kerrington, his Enhabit Hospice nurses, your compassion and selfless service to Norman and the family during the last several days and all the staff with Enhabit Home Health, especially the physical therapy team and wound care nurses, we extend our gratitude. We were so thankful for the great care he received each time he was admitted to the GV Sonny Montgomery VA Medical Center in Jackson.

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