Mr. Billy Carroll Norris

Billy Carroll Norris passed away on Sunday, February 12, 2017. Born in Coats, NC on November 9, 1935, he grew up on his family’s farm.  After graduating from high school, Billy served in the Army and was stationed at the Nike Missile site in Rehoboth, Massachusetts. While in Rehoboth, he met Evelyn Champagne, gave his heart to her, and asked her to move south as his wife.  They walked a path of love together for 59 years. Their daughter Lynne, always his Daddy’s girl, became the center of their lives.

Billy lived the American dream.  He started work as a welder for Newman Machine and then at Nelson Machine and Grinder Company.  Through a strong work ethic, a critical mind, and thirst for learning, Billy held many positions, ultimately becoming President and General Manager.  He enjoyed going to work every day for 53 years until Nelson Machine closed its doors.

When not at work, Billy preferred being outside. Whether hunting or fishing with his son-in-law David and grandsons Thad and Hunter, or providing pontoon rides at High Rock Lake, he appreciated and found joy in nature.  With incredible patience, he taught his grandsons to fish, and to safely hunt.  While these times may not have always provided food for the table, they provided laughter and happy memories.

Billy was predeceased by his parents, William A. and Dora Norris, and his sister Ruth Waddell.  He will live on in the memories of his wife Evelyn, daughter Lynne Norris Murray and husband David, grandsons Thaddeus Murray and Hunter Murray, sister Pat Francisco and brother Bobby Norris.

A Celebration of Billy’s Life will be held at the home of Lynne and David Murray on Saturday, February 18, 2017 from 1-3 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to the Lung Cancer Initiative of NC, 400 Blue Ridge Rd—Suite 170, Raleigh, NC 27612.

Evelyn and the family wish to share their deep gratitude to Dr. Mohamed K. Mohamed for the six years of helping Billy live with, rather than dying from, cancer.