For the Scripture says….”everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved…How then will they call on Him in Whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in Him of Whom they have not heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach Good News!”.
Romans 10:11-15
For as much as a man can in the flesh, Norman Willard Guess lived out this Good News and his call to share it. Scripture tells us that there are great rewards in heaven for such a life. Many who await him in heaven and many who loved him here can attest to that call.
Norman was born on July 25, 1932 in Puritan, West Virginia and passed away on October 8, 2026 in Brandon, Florida. One of 11 children born to Joe Guess and Rene Meryl Casey Guess, he was the last surviving of his immediate family. Norman would want us to remember Stella, Irene, Bertha, Jay, Nolan, David, Lloyd, Bill, Winston and Haven as well. In addition to these, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Julia Coker Guess, and son, Howard. He is survived by his son, David Norman Guess, and stepchildren, Tracey Baynes Oprandy, Mark Baynes, Rusty Baynes and many friends and brothers and sisters in Christ.
Norman’s 94 years were incredibly full and rewarding to him and all who knew him. His life resume runs the gamut of employment, education, activity and service. He graduated from Belfry (Kentucky) High School where he excelled in multiple sports and campus leadership. That love of sports carried throughout his life from player to coach and mentor. He served in the Hillsborough County School District (Florida) for 27 years and was honored as the Florida Dairy Farmers’ Coach of the Year in 1998 for the success of the Bloomingdale Senior High School ladies’ golf team. He was also named the Hillsborough County Coach of the Decade in 1990. Even as his health failed, you might have found him engrossed in a football game on television or a good western from the ’60’s with his feline friend, Whisper, nearby. Norman took his jack -of-all trades skills to the U. S. Army, as an insurance salesman, owner of Kress’ Menswear and as a realtor in Brandon, Florida.
Norman prepared himself for his most important call as a 1952 graduate of what was then known as Asbury University in Asbury, Kentucky. His alma mater became Asbury Theological Seminary, an institution he supported his whole life. That foundation was key to his love of God’s Word and the fuel that sent him to share the Gospel everywhere he could, literally “to the ends of the earth.” He served on multiple extended mission trips in many locations outside the U. S. to include Africa, China, Vietnam, the United Arab Emirates, Taiwan, Turkey and Israel. He “planted seeds,” led many to Christ and left a piece of his heart in all those places.
Should anyone be led, Norman’s request was for donations to be made to the Missions Fund c/o Bells Shoals Church, 2102 Bell Shoals Road, Brandon, FL 33511 or online at https://pushpay.com/g/bellshoals. Norman was a longtime member at BSC and supporter of his beloved church home in every way.
Norman was so very grateful for the care he received in the last seven years from a team of remarkable men and women who facilitated his being able to be in his own home as long as possible. And to the wonderful staff members at HCA Brandon Hospital, Affinity Care of Hillsborough hospice and Compass Rose of Brandon assisted living facility this past year.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Bell Shoals Church Chapel on Tuesday, October 27, 2026 at 10:00 AM with a reception lunch to follow in the Multipurpose Center. Interment will be at the Bushnell National Cemetery, 6502 SW 102nd Avenue, Bushnell, FL 33513 on Thursday, October 29, 2026 at 12:30 PM. Services will be officiated by Norman’s pastors and friends, Rev. Gary Payne and Rev. Kelly Green.
