Willie "Will" Rodell Norris

Willie (Will) Rodell Norris ascended to join Our Father in Heaven on January 31, 2025, at the age of 68 after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on July 20, 1956 in Fort Worth, Texas to Sanford Norris and Neita Sue Hayes, Will was one of five children and the only son.

As a child, Will was always singing with his siblings, whether it was participating in the Fort Worth city-wide youth choir or at his home church, Pleasant Mount Gilead, where he sang in the youth choir and the male chorus. Upon graduating from Arlington Heights High School in 1973, Will joined the United States Air Force. He proudly served for 24 years, during which time he met and married Susan (nee Cunikin) on January 12, 1978, traveled and made homes in various countries before settling in San Antonio. Known as “The Voice,” Will’s military service included working in Broadcasting and was marked by dedication and a deep sense of duty. While in the service, Will earned his Bachelors of Arts in Communication degree from Trinity University (San Antonio). After retiring from the military, Will enjoyed careers at Time Warner (Paragon), Family Praise Center, and New York Life Insurance before retiring from UPS in 2023. After his retirement, Will was excited to focus on his passion of radio and voice work, as well as spending more time being “PaPa” to his beautiful grandchildren.

An unwavering follower of Christ, Will was a faithful member, Elder and Pastor at Place For Life and was known by all for his commitment to sharing the gospel and trusting in the Lord’s plan. He spent many years singing on the Praise Team, sharing his wonderful voice Sunday after Sunday. He found great joy in running, cycling, reading, and journaling. He was a member of several Toastmasters chapters, a troop leader for Boy Scouts Troop 538, volunteered at Habitat for Humanity, and an active fundraiser for the National MS Society.

Will is remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend who loved the Lord fiercely. He lived a life dedicated to the glorification of God, and his legacy of faith, love and service will continue to inspire all who knew him. He will be deeply missed, but we celebrate his life and take comfort in the knowledge that he is now reunited with his Savior, and his loved ones.

Will is survived by his beloved wife of 47 years, Susan; his daughter, Crystaline Norris-Blanchard (Byron); his sons Samuel Norris (Holly) and Walter Norris; his grandchildren, Elijah Norris, Brayden Blanchard, Eleanor Wilson, Phoebe Norris, and Benjamin Blanchard; sisters, Dr. Linda Britton and Dr. Constance Lacy (Tom); mother-in-law, Mary Louise Cunnikin, and many loving aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Will was preceded in death by his father, Sanford Norris; his mother, Neita Britton Hayes; two sisters, Clarine Jones (Vernell) and Rodennia Pines (Otis); aunts, uncles, cousins, and a nephew.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated healthcare professionals and caregivers for the special love and care they provided to Will.

Funeral services honoring Will’s life will be held at Place For Life Church (5820 NW Loop 410, San Antonio, TX 78238) on Sunday, February 16, 2025. The viewing will take place at 3 PM and the service will start promptly at 4 PM.

Livestream of the service will be available at https://www.facebook.com/share/15osQigJ2k/?mibextid=wwXIfr

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Will’s honor and memory to the American Cancer Society.