Norman McKee Agnew, Jr., 89, of State College, formerly of Tuscaloosa, AL, died Thursday, January 17, 2008 at The Brookline Village in State College, PA.
He was born in New Brighton, PA on June 2, 1918, the only child of Norman M. Agnew and Coral Wright Agnew while his parents were there visiting their relatives. He grew up in Texas and graduated from El Paso High School. He served with honor during World War II and was awarded five campaign ribbons with battle stars, one of which was the Omaha Beach Landing. He held the rank of Captain. He was a graduate of the University of North Carolina School of Commerce and a member of the Theta Xi Fraternity and the Delta Sigma Pi Honorary Fraternity. Upon graduation, he moved to Tuscaloosa, Alabama to accept employment and where he met his wife, the former Mary K. Finley Ray. They were married in 1957 at the First Methodist Church of Tuscaloosa.
He was the first full-time Purchasing Agent for the University of Alabama and retired as the Procurement Services Officer on August 1, 1983 after over 30 years of service. During his tenure he was awarded The Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award in recognition of his service to the University community and was honored by being tapped into the Anderson Society at the University.
He was committed to community service. He was an active member of First Presbyterian Church of Tuscaloosa where he served as a deacon, an elder and was the Sunday school superintendent for over 25 years. He was an active member and past president of the Tuscaloosa Exchange Club and served in various capacities for the YMCA, PTSA, and the United Way. He belonged to the Saint Andrew's Society of Tuscaloosa, Indian Hills Country Club, The University Club and the Apollo Club.
In 2003, he suffered a stroke and he and Mrs. Agnew moved to State College, Pennsylvania to be close to family and so he could receive needed care at The Brookline Village where he resided.
He is survived by his wife of State College, stepson, Dr. William J. Ray and wife, Dr. Judith Mebane Ray, State College, and step grandchildren, Dr. Adam Ray and wife Victoria Ferrence Ray of Pittsburgh, Lauren Ray Hensey, her husband, Robert Hensey, and children, Lile and Ronan of Geevagh, Ireland, Katherine Rowley of Phippsburg, Maine, Jennifer Rowley of Media, Pennsylvania, David Rowley and wife, Julie Rowley and son, Andrew of Upper Montclair, New Jersey, and several cousins.
Friends and family will be received at the Mark Heintzelman Funeral Home from 3 to 4 pm on Saturday, January 19. A funeral service will follow immediately at 4 pm led by the Reverend Dr. Charles Curley of the State College Presbyterian Church. Internment will be at the Centre County Memorial Park in State College at the familys convenience.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the charity of your choice.
A guest book can be signed at www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com