Travis Neal Norman, 78, of Dawsonville, died Oct. 1, 2014.

Born May 22, 1936, in Ethridge, Tenn. to the late Floyd and Bertie Mae Norman, he had lived in Dawson County for the past 27 years, having moved from New Jersey.

Mr. Norman retired from corporate security with AT&T after 33 years of service.

A talented musician, Neal devoted much of his time playing Gospel Bluegrass music at churches and various venues and jams.

In November of 2003 he was inducted into the Atlanta Country Music Hall of Fame.

He was a member of the Gideons and served on their State Cabinet for 12 years and served as president of three years. He traveled to three countries to share Bibles and God's word.

Neal was the chairman of the deacon board at Lighthouse Baptist Church.

His daughter, Chris Carol Ethridge; sister, Opal and brothers, Glenn, Ray, Buel and Dewey, preceded him in death.

Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Jo Ann Norman of Dawsonville; daughters and son-in-law, Patricia Walters of Cumming, Dot and Dale Mestemaker of Canton, Susan Norman Garg of Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.; grandchildren, Michele, Kim, Trip, Cassie, Trey, Audrey, Ethan, Ajay; five great-grandchildren; various other relatives also survive.

Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. Oct. 4 in the Bearden Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Charles Blackstock and Trip Walters officiating. Interment followed in Sawnee View Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, donations were requested made to the Gideons.

Bearden Funeral Home of Dawsonville was in charge of the arrangements.