Norman William Lay

Stuart, FL. - Norman W. Lay, age 84, died July 12, 2024 at his home in Stuart.

He was born Feb. 8, 1940, in Coalburg, Ohio to Norman, Sr. and Vera Mason Lay.

In 1948 his family moved to Mesa, AZ. In 1953 they moved back to Ohio.

After graduating from Vienna High School in 1958, he enlisted in the US Navy "Seabees" for 4 years.  After being discharged from the Navy, he attended Youngstown University and majored in accounting. In 1963, Norm and his brother, Larry, ventured to CA where Norm started in the golf business. Because of his accounting background, he was hired as an assistant golf professional at Riviera Golf Club and later Lakeside Golf Club. After 4 years in CA, he returned to Ohio where his mother introduced him to Judy Tinkham. They were married on Dec. 30, 1966. Since Judy was teaching school in Cleveland, Norm got the job as an assistant golf professional at Canterbury Golf Club in Shaker Heights. After 2 years at Canterbury, he ventured to Sleepy Hollow Golf Club in Scarborough, N.Y. with Judy in tow to help run the golf shop. In 1970, he achieved his ultimate goal in the golf business. He was hired as Head Golf Professional at Shorehaven Golf Club in E. Norwalk , CT. During his 6 years at Shorehaven, he had the opportunity to travel to Scotland 3 times to play the International Four-Ball golf tournament at St. Andrews. He was very proud of developing a junior golf team, and in his 6th year, the Shorehaven Jr. Golf team won the Fairfield County Championship.

In November 1975, after spending several winters in FL, Norn and Judy moved to Stuart. Norm had the desire to be an entrepreneur and had a vision to build a casual waterfront restaurant. In July 1976, they bought a motel on the North Fork of the St. Lucie River. After refurbishing the motel, Norn started building "The Deck" Restaurant, which opened in June 1977. With the anticipation of boaters motoring to the restaurant, the Harbor Inn Marina was expanded to 81 slips.

Norm was a member of Willoughby Golf Club for 34 years, during which time he had 3 hole-in-one's. Norm was also a very active member of Stuart Congregational Church for over 20 years.

Norm is survived by his loving wife Judy of 57 years, brother Larry Lay, sister Karen (Bob) Rappach, daughter, Debbie (Dino) Amick, grandsons, Ray and Michael Wallen, 3 great-grandchildren Bryce, Kaden, & Starr Wallen, nephews Rick & Ron Whitehouse, Tim Rappach, nieces Sherry Deagle & Patty Ferry, and several great nieces and nephews. He is also survived by a very dear and close friend, Greg Cerulli, who was like a son to him.

He was predeceased by his parents, Norm Sr. and Vera Lay, sister Myrna Snyder, nephew Bob Rappach, Jr. and great-grandson Jacob Wallen.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, August 23, 2024, at Stuart Congregational Church, 3110 Aster Lane, Stuart, 34994 at 11 AM. with a reception following the service at Piper's Landing Golf Club, 6160 SW Thistle Terrace, Palm City.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Stuart Congregational Church, Memorial Fund, or to Treasure Coast Hospice, 1201 SE Indian Street, Stuart, 34997.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Martin Funeral Home & Crematory 961 S. Kanner Hwy. Stuart, FL. 34994

Online obit can be found at www.martin-funeral.com