Norris Willis, 80, passed away peacefully at home in Austin, TX on November 21, 2006. Born on May 9, 1926 in Ft Smith, AR. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, LaVerne, his children David, Shelly, Sherry, and Terri and their spouses, and his grandchildren, Ashley and Neil Willis and Daniel and Dustin Barlow. Raised in Bixby, OK, Norris served in the Navy Air Corps and graduated from Oklahoma State University in 1947. A multitalented athlete, he was the youngest to ever play in the Sugar Bowl when the 1943 University of Tulsa Golden Hurricane battled Georgia Tech in January, 1944. He also played semipro baseball, and excelled at golf throughout his rich life. Few people know that he also played a jazzy piano. Norris and LaVerne started their family in New Mexico. He served as manager of the Chambers of Commerce in Portales, NM and Brownwood, TX. While in New Mexico, he also announced football and baseball games for local radio, coached junior high football, baseball, and basketball, and managed a peanut mill. In 1966 the family moved to Austin where he worked for the U.S. Department of Commerce - Economic Development Administration. He retired in 1991, but continued to keep family and friends smiling with his colorful stories, sharp wit, and keen sense of humor. He will be missed by many. Norris will lie in state beginning at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 28th at Wilke-Clay-Fish Funeral Home, 2620 S. Congress. Funeral will be held Wednesday, November 29, 2006 at First United Methodist Church in Austin, located at 1201 Lavaca Street, with Rev. John McMullen officiating. Viewing will be at 10:30 AM, with the service to follow at 11:00 AM. One of the familys favorite charities is the American Cancer Society. Obituary and guestbook online at wcfish.com
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