William "Billy" Benjimen Norris, Jr.

William Benjimen ?Billy? Norris, Jr., 97, of Russellville, passed from this life on July 12, 2011 at his home surrounded by his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and long-time friends. Visitation will be held at Spry Memorial Chapel on Thursday, July 14 from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. The funeral service will be held at Spry Memorial Chapel on Thursday July 14 at 7:00 p.m. with Brothers Jackie Richardson, Johnny Richardson, and Robert Harkrider officiating. Interment will be at KP Cemetery, Russellville. A native of Franklin County, Mr. Norris was a graduate of Russellville High School class of 1931 where he lettered in basketball, baseball, and football, and he also won the city tennis championship. He went on to graduate with a Bachelors Degree from Harding College, Searcy, AR in 1935 and Masters in English from Peabody College, Nashville, TN in 1940. A member of the Franklin County Sports Hall of Fame, Mr. Norris was also, at the time of his death, the oldest Russellville Golden Tiger. He was also an avid golfer in his spare time. He was a faithful preacher of the gospel working with churches of Christ in Knoxville, TN (1936-1944), Montgomery, AL (1944-1945), Maryville, TN (1946-1948), Sparta, TN (1949-1953), Searcy, AR (1953-1955), Phil Campbell, AL (1955-1980), Isbell, AL (1980-1992) and held numerous gospel meetings throughout the country. He also worked as a fill in preacher for various congregations in Franklin County, AL for several years. Also a successful Russellville businessman, Mr. Norris was the third generation to run Norris Printing Company and he also owned Norris King Frosty from 1952-1987 and Norris Book Store from 1955-2001. Mr. Norris was preceded in death by his parents, William B. Norris and Elise Hyde Norris; and his son, Benjie Norris. He is survived by his wife of over 74 years, Leila T. Norris; daughter, Bunny Richardson (Jackie); sons, Tim Norris (Beverly), Lanny Norris (Donna); daughter-in-law, Mary Jane Norris; grandchildren, Scott Richardson (Sheila), Lei-anne Hester (Jack), Becky Romine (Brent), Julie May (Steve), Amy Norris, Blake Norris (Julie), Blair Boyer (Jonathan), Jennifer Hunt (Buddy) and Jeff Norris (Rachel) as well as seventeen great-grandchildren. Pallbearers will be grandsons, Scott Richardson, Blake Norris, Jeff Norris, and great-grandsons, Stefan Richardson, Brandon Hester, Brock Hester, Gavin Richardson, Brock Romine. Memorials may be sent to Rustic Youth Camp, 3170 Shady Grove Road, Russellville, AL 35653. Spry Memorial Chapel assisted the family.

William "Billy" Benjimen Norris, Jr.

August 27, 1913 - July 12, 2011

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