Norman F. Conant, Jr., 94, of Valdosta, passed away on Friday, April 10, 2026 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born May 15, 1931 in Melrose, Massachusetts to the late Dr. Norman F. Conant, Sr. and Sylvia Claire Nute Conant.

Norman graduated Durham High School, Durham, NC Class of 1949. He attended UNC Chapel Hill, University of Maryland and Saint Mary’s College.

Having soloed on his 16th birthday, he was a lifelong pilot.

A distinguished veteran of the U.S. Air Force, Norman retired with the rank of Major. He served during the Korean and Vietnam conflicts and was a T-33, T-37 and T-38 flight instructor prior to his retirement at Moody Air Force Base. During his military career he served as a fighter pilot flying the F-86 in California, Europe and North Africa. He also served in South Korea as Commander of the 4th Direct Air Support Flight. Following his service, he owned and operated Holland Flying Service at Valdosta Municipal Airport.

Norman was a past flight captain for the Order of Daedalians, past secretary/ treasurer of the Military Officers Association of America, past president of the Georgia Aviation Trade Association and past president of the Kiwanis Club. He was also a Deacon and longtime member of First Baptist Church of Valdosta.

Norman is survived by his wife, Barbara Brooks Conant of Valdosta, his children, Jennifer Conant Wells (John) of Thomasville, Georgia, Sylvia Pickett (Ronald) of Oak Island, North Carolina, Katherine Hilliard (Robby) of Greensboro, North Carolina, Bunny Conant Spires of Burlington, North Carolina, Carol Chessen (Bert) of Missoula, Montana and Norman W. Conant (Beth) of San Antonio, Texas, sixteen grandchildren and twenty six great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by his sisters, Sylvia Chesson of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Willa Pruzan of Newport, North Carolina, Laura Varga of Champion, Pennsylvania, his sister and brother-in-law, Tali and Vernon Benignus of Durham, North Carolina and numerous nieces and nephews.

Norman was preceded in death by his son, William P. Conant, his parents, his sister and brother-in-law, Linda and Led Gardner, his brother-in-law, Max Pruzan, his brother, Steve Conant and two grandchildren, Matthew Spires and Kerri Pickett Space.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 on May 8th in the chapel of Carson McLane Funeral Home with visitation at 1:00. Online condolences may be shared at www.mclanecares.com.