Father Norman McFall, 69, died May 18

Published: May 19, 2026

Father Greg Luyet, judicial vicar for the Diocese of Little Rock, released the following letter regarding the death of Father Norman McFall on Monday, May 18, 2026.

"Dear Priests, Deacons and Diocesan Employees:

"With faith in the promise of eternal life in our Lord Jesus Christ, I share with you the sad news that Father Norman McFall died today, May 18, 2026, after suffering from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

"He passed away surrounded by his wife, Laura, and other family members and friends. Funeral arrangements are pending, and I will share those details, along with an obituary once they are finalized.

"Father Norm McFall was born in Florence, Ala., on Feb. 11, 1957, and was ordained a priest on May 28, 2016, by Bishop Anthony B. Taylor. His first assignment was in Fort Smith where he served as associate pastor for Hispanic ministry at Christ the King in Fort Smith, and as chaplain at Mercy Hospital in Fort Smith.

"In 2019, Father McFall became the pastor of Sacred Heart in Charleston, Ark. In addition to being pastor of Sacred Heart, he was given pastoral care of St. Anthony in Ratcliff. Due to the complications brought on by ALS, Father McFall became a senior priest on June 9, 2025.

"Prior to becoming Catholic, Father McFall was an ordained minister in the Free Will Baptist Church during which time he served as a missionary in Brazil. In the homily on the occasion of Father McFall’s ordination to the diaconate, Bishop Taylor remarked: 'Norman, your path to this moment is the most remarkable of anyone I have ever ordained. A married man, a Baptist missionary in Brazil presumably trying to convert Catholics away from the faith, only to become a convert to Catholicism yourself.'

"Please keep Laura and Sam in your prayers, along with the many people whose lives were touched by Father McFall’s ministry. As is our custom, all priests are asked to offer three Masses for the repose of the soul of Father Norman McFall.

"I will share more information as soon as the arrangements are finalized. May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace.

"Sincerely in Christ,
Fr. Gregory T. Luyet"

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord. And let the perpetual light shine upon him. And may he and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.