Mr. Norman Green Mabe Sr., 79, of Winston-Salem died Thursday, Feb. 26, 2004, at Forsyth Medical Center after an extended battle with congestive heart failure and lung cancer.

He was born Feb. 9, 1925, in Danbury to the late John G. and Jettie Rodgers Mabe . Drafted from the farm fields at the age of 17, he joined brothers already serving the fury of World War II. He was among hundreds of soldiers who landed in La Harve, France before his 18th birthday to serve with the 1st U.S. Army 3rd Armored Division, known as Spearhead in the West, so noted for having made the "Longest Run in History" through enemy territory. He also served the 3rd Army, then the 9th and 1st Armored Division, which was to become the 12th Constabulary force until 1946. Norman was cited as an expert marksman and received the Presidential Citation and three battle stars from President Harry Truman and the then General Dwight David Eisenhower at Darmstadt, Germany while serving under General Rose and General Patton. August 1946, saw him leave the North Sea port of Bramahaven, Germany along with 12,000 soldiers aboard the USS General Richardson, bound for New York Harbor, an honorable discharge and home. He met and married his wife of 52 years, the former Barbara Jean Hill, who survives of the home.

Despite a serious debilitating accident in 1978 and continued failing health, he held on to his passion for gardening. He was a true craftsman as well as a local entrepreneur. He owned Nor Bar Enterprises Inc., Sharp Rite Saw & Tool and the Tin Mans Shop. He was an early member of Piedmont Craftsmen, through which he was commissioned to do special works in both tin and copper.

Besides his wife, survivors include a daughter, Jeanne Carpenter of Baton Rouge, La.; two sons, Norman Green (Betty) Mabe Jr. and John G. (Debra) Mabe of Winston-Salem; four granddaughters, Megan (Randy) Stanberry of Wilmington, Laura Turner of the home, Nicole Mabe of Winston-Salem and Chelsea Carpenter of Baton Rouge, La.; four sisters, Mrs. Trudy Apperson, Mrs. Lois (Raymond) Sell, Mrs. Eva Tesh of Lexington and Mrs. Dorthea Haward of Richmond, Va.; a brother, James (Opal) Dewey of Phoenix, Ariz.; and a very special niece, Betty K. Smith of Sacramento, Calif.