Obituary of Leslie E. Norris

Leslie Edward Norris, 89, of Boone, and formerly of the Todd community, died Sunday, October 10, 2010 at Glenbridge Health & Rehabilitation. He was born October 16, 1920 in Watauga County to Wade and Ora Tatum Norris. Mr. Norris was a deacon and past choir director at South Fork Baptist Church. He served as the church clerk for more than 60 years. Mr. Norris was a retired inspector from Vermont American. Surviving are his daughter, Jeanne Norris and husband, Ted, and two sons, Tommy Norris and wife Debbie, and Donnie Norris and wife, Lynda, all of Todd; nine grandchildren, Sondra Southard of Winston-Salem, Stephanie Smith of Asheboro, John Hollar of Boone, Christie Thigpen of Todd, Mark Norris of Valdese, Crystal Shelton of Statesville, Jennifer Simons of Todd, Melissa Morris of Cripple Creek, Va., and Jason Norris of Todd; twenty-one great-grandchildren; one brother, Merrill Norris and wife, Dorothy, of Greensboro; two brothers-in-law, Warner Reid and wife, Loretta, of Charlotte and Coy Norris of Boone; and one sister-in-law, Joann Underwood of West Jefferson. A number of nieces and nephews also survive. He was preceded in death by his wife, Osa Reid Norris, and two brothers, Lowell Norris and Page Norris. Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday October 13, 2010 at 2 PM at South Fork Baptist Church, officiated by Rev. Mark Norris, Rev. Eric Proffit, Rev. Herbert McCoy and Rev. Homer Murdock. Burial will follow in the Howell Cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 6:30 until 8:30 at Austin & Barnes. Memorials may be made to the Howell Cemetery Fund, % Ruby Trivette, 10550 NC Hwy. 194 North, Todd, NC 28684.