Benjamin Bruce Norris

Benjamin Bruce Norris, 83, peacefully passed away at home on May 11, surrounded by his loving family. 

He was born in Leavenworth, Kansas on Nov. 27, 1934 to James and Lucille Norris. He grew up in Jacksonville, and attended Andrew Jackson High School and Jacksonville University.  Mr. Norris was in the U.S. Navy and served during the Korean War.  He received the United Nations Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal, the China Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medical.  He had a lifelong career in sales, and for many years, operated his own business, Norris Steel Building Repair. 

He was a member of First Baptist Church and his life was a living example of his faith. Mr. Norris was a firm believer in Christ, showing the love of Jesus in everything he did. He lived a life full of love, happiness, and adventure. Although he will be missed by many, Mr. Norris has gone home to be with his Savior and his loved ones that left before him.

Survivors include his son, Richard Norris; daughters, Karen Bell (Danny), Kathy Albin (Greg) and Kandace Lankford (Jack) and granddaughters Heather Harvey (Craig) and Kassidy Lankford, along with sister, Edna Carter, brothers Billy Permenter and Ray Permenter, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Mary Annette Norris, son, Craig Willis, son, Joseph Norris and grandson, Beau Bell, and his brother Wesley Permenter.  Funeral services will be held on Tuesday May 15, 2018 at 12:30 Pm in the chapel of Cedar Bay Funeral Home, 405 New Berlin Road, Jacksonville, with Pastor Steve McCollum officiating. Interment with military honors will follow in Jacksonville National Cemetery at 2:30 pm. The family will receive friends from 11:30am until 12:30pm ( 1 hour prior to service)

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