Haywood Eugene Norman Jr.

Haywood "Butch" Eugene Norman Jr peacefully entered into eternal rest at his home on his beloved farm on October 13, 2025. At Butch's request, there will be no public services.

Butch was born on August 23, 1952, in Dale County, Alabama, and was the middle child of the late Haywood "Doc" and Mary Catherine Norman. He graduated from Luverne High School in 1970 as an all-state high school football player along with his lifelong friend, Billy McSwean. He went on to the Marion Military Academy as a junior college All-American before earning a football scholarship to the University of Alabama, where he played under Paul "Bear" Bryant as part of the 1973 National Championship Crimson Tide team. During his time in Tuscaloosa, he befriended fellow lineman Buddy Brown who introduced Butch to the love of his life, his future wife and the mother of his children, Phyllis Brown...who also happened to be Buddy's sister. No stranger to football seasons after watching her brother Buddy for years, Phyllis was ready-made for a lifetime of being a football player/coach's wife, a role she embraced with grace and never-ending support. After a whirlwind romance, Butch and Phyllis pledged their lives and love to each other on December 28, 1975 during their wedding at the First Baptist Church in Luverne in front of family and friends, thus beginning a 50-year marriage and legacy that many strive to emulate to this day.

With their signatures still wet on the marriage certificate, Butch and Phyllis packed up and journeyed to Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, where Butch played for 7 years as an offensive lineman with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers alongside his brother-in-law, Buddy. Butch made his mark on the league by being named to the CFL All-Star offensive team on three separate occasions: 1976, 1979, and his last season, 1980. He was named to the Western Conference All-Star teams in the same years. In 1979, he was the Bombers' Outstanding Lineman and named as the recipient of the Bert Oja Memorial Trophy. Butch hung up his cleats and helmet when he retired in 1980, as the call of home became too loud to ignore. It was there that he and Phyllis welcomed their daughter, Kate, in 1980 and their son, Bo, in 1985. Butch was later inducted into the Canadian Football League Hall of Fame on September 10, 1994.

Upon his return home, Butch joined the coaching staff at Luverne High School under the tutelage of Glen Daniel after finishing his teaching degree at the University of Alabama. When Coach Daniel retired, Butch was the obvious choice to replace the Luverne legend. Butch coached the Luverne Tigers for 10 years and guided his team to win the 1997 State Championship, among countless other playoff appearances and region titles. One of his greatest triumphs amid a career of accolades was getting to coach his son, Bo, in the sport that shaped his life.

Butch was preceded in death by his father, Haywood Eugene "Gene" Norman Sr; mother, Mary Catherine Stubbs; niece, Belinda Eaton; and nephew, Jason Barron.

He is survived by his wife, Phyllis; daughter, Kate (Tim) Sherwood; son, Bo (Lizzie) Norman; grandchildren, Greyson Rafe Sherwood, Vivian Karissa Sherwood, and Elliott Quin Norman; siblings, Jeannie Barron and Mike (Lynn) Norman; nephews, Jake Barron and Michael Jay (Morgan) Norman; and a host of extended family members and friends.

Butch had countless names he answered to over his incredible lifetime: husband, Daddy, Big River, Uncle Buck, and, most popularly, Coach. Standing tall at 6'6, Butch was a big man, but many students, players, friends, and family knew that large presence housed the biggest heart in Luverne. Butch was an indomitable force on the line, a fierce presence on the sideline as coach, and a gentle giant off the field. He was loved by everyone who knew him, had a quick wit that left everyone in stitches, and was a masterful storyteller of tales on the farm and on the football field. The lessons he taught his players and students no doubt linger in their lives and his legacy will continue to permeate the world of sports for years to come.

In lieu of flowers, please send a letter of your fondest memories of Coach to Luverne High School for the Norman family to cherish alongside you. Donations can be made in Butch's memory to The Luverne High School Booster Club.