Ralph Franklin Norris

Ralph was born in Huntington, West Virginia. He was the son of Bernard and Pansy Lyons Norris. He graduated from Huntington High School with an Emergency War Diploma. He worked at the American Red Cross as a Logistics Officer for 35 years and continued to volunteer after retirement for 22 more years.

He was a member of the American Legion, Naval Cryptology Association, and the Loyal Order of the Moose. He enjoyed woodworking. He will be remembered for his wicked sense of humor, his ability to never hold a grudge, his passionate humanitarian spirit and his stories of his experiences around the world in support of those humanitarian missions he was involved in. In addition to his work with the American Red Cross Disaster Services, he served with the International Committee of the Red Cross, International Federation of Red Cross & Red Crescent Societies, and Catholic Relief. He worked in locations such as Thailand, Nicaragua, Sudan, Kuwait, Puerto Rico, Saipan and Guam. At the American Red Cross, he standardized the support fleet and was instrumental in the development of the Emergency Response Vehicle Fleet still in use today. He developed the Disaster Field Supply Centers after the Three Mile Island incident and after the flood in Johnstown, Pennsylvania he developed clean up kits to assist victims in their clean up efforts for their homes and communities.

Ralph is survived by his wife Catherine, sister Willa Mae (Sis) (Roland) Sturgill. His children David(Leslie) and Matthew Norris; Stepsons Steven(Pamela), Ken(Susan), and Dan(Stacey) Heavyside.

Grandchildren Joel(Melissa) Norris, Lindsay Hanner, Bryan(Rene), Kaelyn, Jacob, Kyra, Dean Heavyside and Allyra Brown. 2 Great-grandchildren Joshua and Lily.

The graveside service will be held in Huntington, West Virginia at a date in the future. Memorial Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the American Red Cross Disaster Services in his name.