Willie E Norris Jr

Willie E. “Fess” Norris, Jr., 91, passed on March 12, 2017. His final days were spent surrounded by family. He was born in Jonesville, SC, the son of Reverend and Mrs. Willie E. Norris, Sr. He was a graduate of Hampton University where he gained a degree in Automotive Services. He worked for TVA at Boone Dam. He was employed as a teacher in the Johnson City, TN school system for 36 years where he taught Brick Masonry and Auto Mechanics for the Johnson City Vocational School at Langston High School. He retired as an Auto Mechanics teacher at Science Hill Vocational School. He was a WWII veteran. He was an avid Dallas Cowboys and NASCAR fan. He was also known as "The Puzzle Man". He was a member and served actively in a number of positions at Thankful Baptist Church. He was a charter member of the Pro-To Club. He was a member of NAACP, UMOJA, Washington County AARP, Iota Lamda Sigma fraternity, Washington County Retired Teachers, SALT, and Senior Saints. He was previously a board member of Boy Scouts of America, former director of Jackie Robinson Boys Club, and NACAT (National Association of College Automotive Teachers). He was preceded in death by his parents, his son Haynes E. Norris and two grandchildren, Jason M. Fields and Jamie Lynn Fields. He leaves to mourn his wife of 72 years, Thelma Haynes Norris; his daughter Jackie (Fred) Fields, Murfreesboro, TN; his son Thomas (Kimberly) Norris, Bristol, TN; his grandchildren Karin Petway, Murfreesboro, TN; Angela Barkley, Columbus, OH; Tony Sewell, Memphis, TN; Ashleigh (Tekai) Norris-Shu, Bristol, TN; Jason Norris, Bristol, TN; Adrienne Norris, Murfreesboro, TN; Ezekiel Watterson, Boston, MA; Kyerra Norris, Bristol, TN; Kailyn Norris; Bristol, TN; three inherited grandchildren Tracy (Joe) Mintz, Woodstock, GA , Ryan Parks, Bristol, TN and Arvid (Daphne) Hall; his 17 great grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren, a loving godson, John F. Birchette, IV, Johnson City, TN and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews. He leaves also to mourn two long-time special friends, Robert “Buck” Johnson and Deborah Jones. Visitation with the family will be Saturday, March 18, 2017, between 10-11:30 AM with the funeral immediately following at 11:30 AM at Thankful Baptist Church, 1501 E. Watauga Ave, Johnson City, TN. The family will receive friends at all other times at the home of Willie & Thelma Norris, 211 Elm Street, Johnson City, TN

Willie E Norris Jr

May 12, 1925 - March 12, 2017