Norman Richard Griner (92), of Shady Side, Maryland, passed away on May 24, 2024. Born at home on Parrish Creek in Shady Side, on March 16, 1932, to John William and Mary Alice (Rogers) Griner, Norman was the second of three children, born at a time when Shady Side had no paved access roads and most transportation was done by boat. Norman’s father moved the family to Portsmouth, VA in 1941 to support the war effort at the Navy Yard. The family returned to Shady Side after the war and built a new home on the West River, looking out upon Chesapeake Bay, on land that had been in the Griner family for 3 generations.
Norman came of age during the Korean War and was drafted into the Army. At the last-minute his orders changed, and he went to Europe and was assigned to a transportation division, driving an 18-wheeler moving goods from the Ports of Italy through the Alps to Military bases in central Europe.
After his military service, Norman returned to Shady Side and was offered employment with a local contractor. He ultimately went into business for himself as a painting contractor and became a small businessman. During difficult economic times in the 1970’s, Norman purchased a boat and equipment and started an oystering business. Norman would become the fourth generation of Griner men who earned some portion of their living as a waterman.
Norman met Nancy Rhine shortly after returning from Europe and they were married on February 24, 1956. Together they raised their three children in Shady Side. Following retirement, Norman and Nancy moved to Edgewater but spent part of the year in Englewood, Florida.
In his youth, Norman joined the Avalon Shores Volunteer Fire Department. Norman was a lifetime member of the Fire Department and was recognized for his leadership, working his way up the ranks to the position of Assistant Chief and ultimately Chief of the Fire Department.

Norman immensely loved sailing and was a huge sports fan, supporting the Orioles, Colts and Ravens. Norman and Nancy doted on their three children, supporting their interests and helping to lead Boy Scout activities and team sports. In retirement Norman and Nancy enjoyed cruising in Alaska, Panama Canal, the Caribbean and Europe.
Norman was always happiest with a grandchild on his lap or working on projects with a grandchild in his workshop and he and Nancy were often seen at events in which their grandchildren and great-grandchildren participated.

Norman was a friend to all and a good friend to many. He was always welcoming and quick with a joke. Whether you were a friend, family, or a new acquaintance, his quick wit would have you either rolling your eyes or rolling with laughter.
Norman and Nancy were long-time members of Centenary United Methodist Church but visited Friendship United Methodist Church in their later years.
Norman leaves a loving family including his wife of 68 years, Nancy (Rhine) Griner; daughter Terry (Griner) Myers and her husband Lawrence; son Robert Griner and his wife Sadie (Bowen) Griner; son Richard Griner and his wife Kristin (Ringstrom) Griner; brother John Tilden “Buzzy” Griner and his wife Mary Agnes (Hartge) Griner; grandchildren Jason Griner, Melissa Griner, Rodney Ward, Derek Ward, Kristin Myers, Jeffrey Myers, Karl Griner and Alex Griner; and five great-grandchildren. Norman was preceded in death by his sister, Ethel June (Griner) Wood and her husband, Charles Wood.

A gathering of family and friends will take place on Thursday June 6th from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Rausch Funeral Home in Owings, followed by a memorial service at 11:00 AM.