Norman S. Laird

Norman Samuel Laird passed away peacefully with his family by his side on May 26, 2023. With his passing the United States lost a true patriot and American hero. Norm was born on January 30, 1939, and graduated from Miami High School. He moved to Athens Georgia where he graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in Political Science and attended UGA Law before he joined the United States Air Force. He was a proud member of Kappa Alpha Order. Norm was an avid Bulldog fan. Norm did not miss a UGA football game either in person, listening to the radio or watching on tv.

Norm’s career in the Air Force was made for a movie, and his family was always learning new stories, including right before his passing. While serving Norm was in charge of the security detail of French President Charles DeGaulle at the State Funeral of President John Kennedy. He served in Europe and the Far East. He was on the last plane leaving Vietnam. He was the highest-ranking military official at the Panama Canal where he was stationed for many years. During his time in Panama, he formed a friendship with the Shah of Iran, as well as had regular lunches with President Noriega. Norm’s mother and sisters would often only know where he was, by the presents he would mail them, including a plate from Iraq where he met with Saddam Hussein. Norm was truly an international man of mystery, and his family often joked he was Pinky the Spy. He spoke 6 languages fluently. Norm retired from the Air Force after 20 years, raising to the rank of Lt. Col. Norm was awarded the Bronze Star, Air Force Commendation Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with two oak clusters, as well as numerous others.

After his service, he did not slow down. He went into private security. While working for Pinkerton Security, he lived all over the US and Portugal. He led the security team for the Los Angeles Olympics. His final assignment in the private security field was as head of security at Seabrook Island South Carolina.

Norman could never stay retired long, his final and probably favorite career was as a teacher at St. Andrews School. Norm taught Current Events for many years, where he enjoyed sharing his stories, as well as what was going on in the world. If there was a baseball, basketball, or football game on campus, Norm was there cheering loudly for his students. His students became an extension of his family

Norm is survived by his son, Wanchai Laird, his sister Martha (Martin) Sullivan, and his niece and nephews: Robert (Jody) Jones, Sarah (Bryan) Austin, and Martin Sullivan Jr. He has numerous great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Rachael Gillis Laird and Norman Nester Laird, and his sister, Sarah Jones.

His service will be held at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery will full military honors. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Andrew’s School or Second Harvest Food Bank in his memory.