JACKSONVILLE  -  Patrick Bernard "Pat" Normanly, 78, passed away peacefully on June 18, 2025, at CarolinaEast Medical Center. Funeral services will be held at Jones Funeral Home in Jacksonville, NC, on July 22 at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Coastal Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Jacksonville at 12:00 p.m. The family will receive friends prior to the service, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.

Born August 10, 1946, in Akron, Ohio, Pat moved to Emporium, Pennsylvania at age 10. A true son of Cameron County, he was a proud graduate of Cameron County High School and St. Francis College in Loretto, PA, where he formed lifelong bonds with his Phi Kappa Theta fraternity brothers.

Pat's life and character were defined by his proud service as a United States Marine. He served as a commissioned infantry officer from 1968 to 1970, earning the Bronze Star Medal and two Purple Hearts for his service as a platoon commander in Vietnam. His brothers and fellow grunts from Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines ("Lima 3/5") remained some of the most important people in his life.

After his military service, Pat spent over 30 years as an educational consultant with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, then five years as a behavioral health specialist with Onslow Behavioral Healthcare. He also volunteered with organizations such as Meals on Wheels and Cardinal Hospice Care.

Pat was predeceased by his parents, Thomas Leo and Julia Alma Normanly.

He was a devoted husband to Gail Normanly, with whom he shared 53 years of marriage and a love-filled life together raising a family he cherished. He was a loving and devoted father to Shawn and Janet Wood of Long Beach, California; Tom and Anita Normanly of Raleigh, North Carolina; and Eileen and Andrew Vincett of Zurich, Switzerland. He was also a deeply proud grandfather to Carter Normanly, Benjamin Normanly, Ryder Wood, Patrick Vincett, and Olivia Vincett

Pat had a natural gift for making others feel seen, heard, and valued. He loved connecting with people and genuinely cared about their stories. His warmth, kindness, and ability to truly listen left a lasting impression on everyone he met.

He loved sports, especially Notre Dame football, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the Pittsburgh Pirates. He found peace in the mountains of North Carolina, a beloved stand-in for the mountains of northern Pennsylvania that he carried in his heart. He cherished his time on the golf course with friends, and nothing made him prouder than being "Grandpa."

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Wounded Warrior Project.

The family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support during this sad time.