Obituary
Norman Bruce Mashburn

On Father’s Day (June 15, 2025) Norman B. Mashburn’s life as a one of the good guys came to an end leaving him missed by many. He was born in Canton, N.C. 96 years ago, grew up in nearby Asheville, lived most of his adult life in Hendersonville, N.C., and enjoyed his final two and a half years at Atria Oakridge Independent Living Raleigh still in love with Betty, his bride and companion of 74 years.

Norm, born September 2, 1928, was a child during the Great Depression and World War II experiencing all the hard times and hard work that was considered just being middle class. He had many odd jobs mixed with lots of family togetherness including his sisters Jerry and Bobbie, brother C.A., and parents Clifton and Joan. They mixed with so many other families. When he wasn’t making things, repairing others, maintaining cars and bicycles, milking cows, cutting and hauling firewood he was hiking, camping, fishing, enjoying the mountain swimming holes, movies, and always active in church and the Boy Scouts. His and three other families established and built the first Starnes Cove Baptist Church between Asheville and Enka, N.C. He always enjoyed music, square dancing, clogging, and later ballroom dancing with Betty.

He worked at the American Enka plant for a year saving up money to attend his first two years of college at Mars Hill College. He was active in theatre there and lettered in track for high and low hurdles, the discus, and javelin. Norm then returned to Asheville and worked at the American Enka plant where his life soon took new direction in dating Betty Dickson and joining the Naval Reserve. After a ten-month courtship they were married and almost immediately the Navy called him into active duty. The newlyweds were whisked to Washington, D.C. where he served at the Defense Department and she worked as a civilian at the Pentagon for three years. They returned to Asheville and started their family with the birth of their son Bruce. By way of the G.I. Bill the three moved to Chapel Hill where Norm completed his B.S. degree in Business and was immediately hired by General Electric.

Norm was a part of the first generation of computer specialists. He retired from the General Electric Outdoor Lighting Facility in Hendersonville, N.C. 1956-1991. Betty also retired from G.E. with 20 years service. In 1957 his daughter Debbie was born. Soon the couple designed and had the house built they would call home for over six decades. For over 67 years he and Betty’s lives there were jammed full of friendships, gardens, church, travel to 49 states, RV winters in Florida, untold trips to the beaches and Smokey Mountains, and a faith-based marriage and family. They worshipped at the First Baptist Church of Hendersonville where both were active in leading youth programs. He was president of the Lions Club twice and handled the affairs of an elderly blind man for fifteen years. He had a great time riding motorcycles with his children. Tennis was his lifelong sport. Until ten years ago, in their mid 80s, he and Betty were still tubing down the Davidson River in Brevard and even had their own tubes.

Norm was a hard-working dedicated disciplined loving Christian husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and an all-around good guy. His was a life well-lived.

He was preceded in death by his parents Clifton Mashburn and Joan Burch Mashburn; sisters Bobbie Garren and Jerry Crawford; and brother C. A. Mashburn Jr.

Norm, as known by most, is survived by his wife Betty Mashburn; daughter Debbie Hopson and husband Bob Hopson; son Bruce Mashburn Jr.; grandsons Matthew Hopson, Evan Hopson, Andrew Hopson and wife Kelly Hopson and Norm and Betty's great grandson Eli Hopson.

A memorial service will be held at Atria Oakridge Raleigh at 2:15 PM. Thursday June 26, 2025. Dress is casual.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Hendersonville Lions Club, P.O. Box 2093, Hendersonville, N.C. 28793