Norman Gene Preskitt, Sr.
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Norman Gene Preskitt Sr., a 34-year resident of Forney, Texas, passed from this life on February 4, 2021, after a five-week battle with COVID-19. Norman was born to James Franklin Preskitt Sr. and Sarah Julia (Laney) Preskitt in Rome, Georgia, on August 10, 1939. Norman is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Patricia Mae (Sikes) Preskitt; children: Debbie Silver (Steve), Dawn Husk (Bill), Gene Preskitt (Sarita), and Jud Preskitt (Lori); grandchildren: Carly Bragg (Clint), Clay Silver (Kaylee), Melanie Strong (Brandon), Jessie Partain (James), Luke Silver (Hannah), Troy Silver (Fantasia), Travis Husk, Ryan Husk, Zach Husk (Stephanie), Erin Preskitt, Makayla Preskitt (Kahlil), Geno Preskitt (Skyla), Shelby Watts (Ethan), Alyssa Watts, Sydney Preskitt, Maddie Preskitt, Nick Preskitt, Devin Preskitt, Judson Preskitt (Grace), Maddox Preskitt, and Kane Preskitt; great-grandchildren: Cale, Coby, Cruz, Calvin, Veda, Clayton, Vivienne, Violet, Julia, Beckett, Logan, Deklan, Harper, Brendyn, Stella, Stevie, Blaine, Jack, and Emma. Norman also is survived by sister Gwen Dockery (Walt), brother Jim Preskitt (Jade), a host of other family members, and work friends and associates who will miss him. From a young age, Norman worked with his father in construction, which led to his career with Blount Brothers Construction from 1961-1973. Norman was a Project Manager on NASA projects, including the Plum Brook Station Space Propulsion facility in Ohio, and the Vehicle Assembly Building and Launchpad 39A at Cape Canaveral. Launchpad 39A has launched rockets from the Apollo space missions to the recently launched Space X Falcon 9 reusable rocket. He also managed IBM projects in New York state, including the company's complex in Endicott and laboratory in Poughkeepsie, and he managed the construction of a state-of-the-art wastewater treatment facility for the Metropolitan Sewer District in Louisville, Kentucky. In 1973, Norman became a Partner at Sarkisian Brothers Construction and helped grow that company until 1986, when an opportunity opened to invest and partner in his son-in-law Steve Silver's budding furniture business. Over the next 35 years, Norman was Chairman and CEO of Steve Silver Company, a business that grew from selling close-outs at flea markets to one of the premier furniture importers and distributors in the United States. Pop Pop was as dependable as the sun rises and falls. He did every single thing with thought and passion. He was funny, a smart-ass, particular, generous, supportive, loving, caring, genuine, and thoughtful. He asked a million questions and kept everything in perfect order, and his work ethic was unmatched. We will miss his impeccable fashion sense. ... He was one in a million. We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the entire ICU COVID Unit at UTSW Clements Hospital. Everyone there provided amazing care to Norman. Memorial services are pending for a later date. Donations in his name may be made to a charity of one's choice.