Ralph S Norman's Obituary
Ralph Stuart Norman
September 22, 1936 - February 8th 2023
Ralph is survived by his wife of 66 years, Ila Mae Norman and his sons
Jeff and Randy Norman.
Ralph was born, and grew up in Waynesville, North Carolina. He met Ila Mae Jenkins, his future wife, at the local high school which they both attended. After graduating high school Ralph joined the Navy, got married, and started a family.
The Navy first brought him to Key West, Florida and then finally to San Diego, CA where he purchased his home. He decided to leave the navy for civilian life. His training as a machinist and engineering secured his position in local aerospace manufacturing facilities until his decision to go on his own in 1978, to create R.S. Norman Mfg… A sub-contractor machine shop for the aerospace industry.
His son Randy and Jeff joined him at the shop after school and then full-time later on.
After years of machining aerospace products as a sub he decided to make products of his own design. This led to establishing GPR Stabilizer in 1999, a motorcycle suspension company, where all products are of his designs and family collaborations.
Ralph and Ila would travel across the USA in the GPR “Big-Rig” to racing events and trade shows to represent the products and talk with racers that GPR sponsors around the world. He loved always meeting new people and visiting with old friends. Ralph never hesitated in helping anyone...This is what he enjoyed the most.
Ralph passed on Thursday, February 8th 2023. He was 86 years old.
He will be dearly missed by everyone.
A memorial service will be held at -
Greenwood Memorial on February 24th at 11:00am - 12pm
Bible Mausoleum Last Supper Chapel
4300 Imperial Ave
San Diego, CA 92113
What’s your fondest memory of Ralph?
What’s a lesson you learned from Ralph?
Share a story where Ralph's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Ralph you’ll never forget.
How did Ralph make you smile?
