Leo Edward “Gabby” Norris, 87, died Thursday, January 6, 2011. Born in Lumberton, NC, he was a son of the late Roland Thomas and Nellie B. Rowell Norris. He was a member of Cheraw Church of God. Mr. Norris was a World War II Veteran and participated in the Normandy Invasion. He was a recipient of a Purple Heart, 2 Bronze Stars and 2 Silver Stars. He was honored with the Jubilee of Liberty Medal. He was a founding member of AM Vets Post #177 and was a member of the American Legion. He was a former pilot and a member of the Civil Air Patrol. He was a former pro signee of the St. Louis Cardinals (Catcher). He enjoyed fishing, hunting, Atlanta Braves Baseball, wood working, and acrylic painting. He was a former owner of a textile business and was an interior decorator.
Surviving are his wife (of 68+ years) Mary Lillian Baxley Norris of Wallace, sons, Jimmy Leo (Ann) Norris of Wallace, SC, William “Billy Lester (Gail) Norris of Wallace, SC, daughters, Cathy N. (Randy) Leviner of Cheraw, SC, Teresa N. (Mark) Rivers of Florence, SC, grandchildren, Sherrye and Alley Jackson, Jamie and Brooke Norris, Rev. Billy and Beth Norris, Matt Norris, Rev. Kevin and Kathy D. Rummage, Ms. Jill Rummage, Hannah Faith Rivers, step-grandchild, Catherine Renee Van Derpoel, great grandchildren, Lindsay Jackson, Charlotte Jackson, Anna Norris, Evan Norris, RaeLeigh Norris, Joseph Norris, Betsy Norris, Chris Norris, Bryan Norris, Mikaila Rummage, Madison Rummage, Micah Rummage, step-grandchildren, Ethan H. VanDerpoel, Nicholas Randon VanDerpoel, nephews Roland Hodges and Rev. Verson Hodges, Jr.
Preceded in death by his parents listed above, a brother, William Lester Norris, sisters, Rosaline Norris Hodges, Annie Mae Norris and a great grandchild, Rebecca Jeffords Norris.
The family received friends 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, Monday, January 10, 2011 at Cheraw Church of God. A funeral service at the church followed the visitation at 1:00 PM. Burial with full military honors was held in Greenlawn Memorial Park, Dillon, SC (Approximately at 3:30 PM). Visit kiserfuneralhome.com to send an e-condolence.
Memorials to: Hospice of Chesterfield County, PO Box 293, Chesterfield, SC 29709.
Visit kiserfuneralhome.com to send an e-condolence.