Norman M. Wingate

Norman Monroe Wingate left this world and his loving family to be with God on Wednesday, January 1, 2014 after an aggressive battle with cancer. Born on April 24, 1946 in Baltimore to Donald N. and Anna Mae Dixon Wingate, Norman spent his entire life in Madison after moving to the area with his parents at the age of three.

Norman graduated from Cambridge High School in 1964 and then went to work at Cambridge Wire Cloth. He later went to work for Maryland Wire Belts where he worked until he retired due to health issues.

Norman was an avid sports fan but mostly enjoyed watching baseball and the Baltimore Orioles. He loved to read, mostly about political figures and events, which he also liked to discuss and debate. Norman enjoyed spending time with his family and looked forward to weekly family dinners, prepared every Sunday by his mother for more than 40 years. He also enjoyed spending time visiting with his friends, many of whom he'd had since childhood, and time with friends made later in life including his dear friend, Patty Lake, with whom he listened to music and joined on the occasional motorcycle ride. Norman especially treasured time with his niece and goddaughter, Chrissy, with whom he had a very special relationship and truly loved as a daughter.

Norman is survived by his mother, Anna Mae Wingate of Madison; his brother, Barry D. Wingate and sister-in-law, Susan Wingate, also of Madison; a very special niece, Christina (Chrissy) Wingate-Spence, and her husband, Matt Spence, of Trappe; and Donald Wingate, his half-brother, of Annapolis. He is also survived by many special friends and neighbors, including his best friend, Patty Lake of Madison. Norman was preceded in death by his father, Donald N. Wingate, who passed away in 1982.

Funeral services will be held at Thomas Funeral Home, P.A., in Cambridge, on Monday, January 6, 2014 beginning at 1p.m. with Pastor Dave Stewart officiating and special speaker, Bobby Aaron , both of whom spent a great deal of time with Norman during his last several weeks, sharing with him the word of God. Family will receive visitors one hour before the service. Interment will immediately follow the service at East New Market Cemetery in East New Market.

Pallbearers will be Matt Spence, Sammy Horseman, Ken Bright, Bobby Aaron, Wayne Foxwell, and Phillip (Boy) Frazier. David Horseman will serve as an honorary pallbearer.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in Norman's memory to University of Maryland Shore Regional Health's Cancer Center c/o Memorial Hospital Foundation, P.O. Box 1846, Easton, MD 21601.

Funeral arrangements are in the care of Thomas Funeral Home, P.A., 700 Locust Street, in Cambridge.