Norman Merle Ard

MIFLIN, AL. Norman Merle Ard, 73, of Miflin, Alabama, died December 4, 2016 of respiratory failure.  He was born September 22, 1943 in Muskegon, Michigan to the late Raymond (Joe) and May Dalson Ard. Mr. Ard graduated from Foley High School. After completing his Bachelor of Arts degree from Troy State University in August 1969, he married Mary Byrd on August 16, 1969. He later earned a Master of Science degree in counseling from the University of West Florida.                 He was a retired educator, serving as a teacher and a counselor in Bay County, Panama City, Florida from 1969-1999. He was selected as school counselor of the year in 1999 for Bay County, Florida. Norman was an active member of Swift Presbyterian Church where he served as an elder and Sunday school teacher. He also served on the Swift Church Preschool Board of Directors.  He was an avid bridge player and attained the rank of Ruby Life Master. He loved working in his yard, cutting grass on his zero-turn mower, teaching his Sunday school class, doing daily crossword puzzles, and watching Dr. Phil and Jeopardy.  After retirement, he and his wife, Mary, enjoyed traveling in the Unites States and Canada in their motor home. Norman is survived by his beloved wife of 47 years, Mary Ard; his sister, Lillie (Clyde) Lipscomb; brother-in-law, Jimmy Byrd, and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at Swift Presbyterian Church on Wednesday, December 7, 2016 at 11:00am.    In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made for the Swift Church Preschool at Swift Presbyterian Church, 23208 Swift Church Road, Foley, AL 36535.Arrangements by Wolfe-Bayview Funeral Home & Crematory2551 South McKenzie St.Foley, AL 36535251-943-2391