On January 8, 2020, Joseph Robert “Bob” Norris, Jr., loving husband, father, and grandfather, passed away after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Bob was born on July 25, 1942 in Los Angeles, California to Joe and Thresa Norris.
Bob, also known as the “Mayor of Gorge Court,” “Baba” (according to his 2-year old grandson), or “Monster Bob,” could almost always be found tinkering in his (very messy) garage on a classic car, in his uniform of an In-N-Out t-shirt and white new balance tennis shoes. He owned over 100 cars in his lifetime, rebuilding many of them from scratch. A stray-cat magnet, he enjoyed the last several years of his life with his little black kitty Vivi always by his side.
In his younger years, Bob played college football at Pacific College and held many professions, ultimately retiring from a construction management position with William C. Vick Construction Company. Throughout the years he was also a teacher, realtor, and owned his own iron shop.
Also a cancer survivor, and having raised five hormonal, teenage children, Bob has had quite the journey over the years. One thing that has remained steady is the unwavering support, care, and love from his wife of almost 32 years, whom he lovingly referred to as his “Peanut” (at the embarrassment of his children). Although this disease took his mind long ago, the comfort he still clearly felt while in the presence of his wife speaks volumes of her commitment to him, the marriage they shared, and the life they built together.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, brother Joel, and sister Roberta. He is survived by his wife, Ellen; his five children, Heidi Dawson (husband Curtis), Corey Norris (wife Jennie), Cassidy Pritchard (husband Miles), Hayley Kennel (husband Ross), and J.R. Norris; five grandchildren, Lauren, Trevor, Katie, Leo, and Henry; and many friends who are like family.
A service celebrating Bob's life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 11th at Mitchell Funeral Home, located at 7209 Glenwood Avenue in Raleigh. Family will receive friends following the service during the reception.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff at Transitions LifeCare (Hospice) for their constant support and care during Bob’s final days. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to Transitions LifeCare in Bob’s name.
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