A South Carolina man who has served as a music educator in the state since 1986 has died.

Jeffrey Leo Norman, 61, of Greer, died suddenly on Sunday, Dec.17, according to his obituary.Norman began his teaching career in South Carolina at Ninety Six High School.

He spent 17 years at Wren Middle/Wren High School in Piedmont, SC, and then 15 years at Greer High School, where he retired in 2022. He also served as the marching instructor for the Clemson Tiger Band since 2003.

Throughout his career, Jeff has made a name for himself as he held drum major master classes and concert band clinics across the country.

“Jeff had a passion for students, staff, music, and every community he lived in,” the obituary read. “He was a two-time Teacher of the Year for Greer High, as well as a two-time recipient of the WYFF Channel 4 Golden Apple Award. He also served as the assistant golf coach for Greer High School and assistant softball coach at Wren High. Jeff’s marching and symphonic bands consistently received high acclaim at the local, regional, and state levels.”

The obituary said Norman will be remembered as a mentor, a friend, a colleague, a husband, a father, a humanitarian, and a beacon of hope.

“Most of all, Jeff will be remembered for his great sense of humor, his love of the Clemson Tigers, his enthusiasm for golf, and his tremendous love for his wife, Donna,” the obituary said.

Services were held on Friday at Praise Cathedral, 3390 Brushy Creek Rd. in Greer.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Redeemer Lutheran Church in Greer or the Greer High School Band Booster Club.

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