Norman Ashley Bess, 74, of 7807 Mill Branch Road, Covington, Virginia, died Saturday, April 16, 2016 at his residence.

He was born January 3, 1942, in Alleghany County, a son of the late Melvin S. and Orpah Tucker Bess.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Thelma Korman, and a brother, Ryland Bess.

Mr. Bess was a former employee of AMOCO Chemical in Akron, Ohio and retired from Mizzy Inc, in Clifton Forge.

He was a member of Lone Star Baptist Church.

Surviving are his wife, Linda Linger Bess of Covington; three sons and daughters-in-law, Darrell and Vicky Bess; David and Lorie Bess and Danny and Sherry Bess, all of Covington; eight grandchildren, Jami Bess, Dillon Bess, Amber Bess, Kayla Bess, Josh Bess, Austin Bess, Brian Bess and Hollie Bess; his step-mother, Lena Bess of Covington; two sisters, Charlotte Offerman of Akron, Ohio and Kathy Bess of Covington and several nieces and nephews.

The funeral service will be held Tuesday, April 19, 2016, at 2:00 p.m. at the graveside in Lone Star Cemetery with the Rev. Donald Earwood officiating, assisted by the Rev. William M. Hartsfield.

The family will receive their friends at the family residence at 7807 Mill Branch Road.

The family suggests that memorial donations in Mr. Bess' name may be made to the Lone Star Baptist Church Building Fund, 6115 Potts Creek Road, Covington, VA 24426.