Cecil Eugene Norris Sr.

Cecil Eugene Norris peacefully went to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, October 15, 2013 at Harbor Hospice in Beaumont. Cecil was born on December 25, 1925 in Beaumont to John Milton Norris and Mattie Luzetta Norris who preceded him in death. He graduated from South Park High School in 1944 and Texas Tech University in 1948 with a Bachelors Degree in Civil Engineering. He worked for the Texas Highway Department as a Design Engineer for 35 years. After retirement he worked an additional 15 years as a Consulting Engineer for Mark Whitely and Associates, Inc.

Cecil was a devoted husband and father. He was a faithful Christian, baptized in 1952, and served the Lord for 61 years as deacon at Tyrrell Park Baptist Church, Beaumont and First Baptist Church, Cheek. He served his church in every aspect, from singing in the choir, to performing maintenance activities, to filling the pulpit on Layman’s Sunday. Cecil had a magnetic personality and seemed to draw people to him. He typified the description of a man who would give you the shirt off his back if needed and served his community well.

As a child, Cecil hunted with his brothers to provide food for the family, and continued this love of hunting into his adult years. He included his children and many friends in these hunting trips. He and his wife, Joyce enjoyed the outdoors and spent many summers in the foothills of the Colorado Rocky Mountains. As expected, they established many deep and lasting friendships with their neighbors. Other travels included ventures to the East and West Coasts of America, Mexico, Canada, and Israel.

Survivors include children Cecil E. Norris Jr. and wife Karin, Michael Ray Norris, Deborah LouAnn Norris, Larry John Norris and wife Deborah Lynn, all of Beaumont. Grandchildren Ember, Tucker, John Jr., Meagan, Rachel, Michael Jr., and great grandchildren Brooke, Anderson, and Kailynn. Sister Opal E. Chadwell of Dripping Springs, and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

He is preceded in death by his wife Joyce Dauriac Norris, brothers Leon and Clovice, and sister Jewel.

Dad was a faithful steward of the gifts and talents that God gave him. He shared these gifts and talents with others by giving of himself, whether helping a friend to wire a house or sharing his famous mayhaw jelly. When Dad stood before the Lord Tuesday evening, we feel that the first words he heard were, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:23.

Visitation will be held Friday, October 18, 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Forest Lawn Funeral Home, Beaumont, Texas. Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 19, 2:00 p.m. at Forest Lawn Funeral Home. Interment at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Beaumont Texas. Pallbearers include Randy Choate, Gary Choate, Paul Thames, Donnie Muirhead, Lee Voss, and Tom Rowe. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Golden Triangle Baptist Network or charity of your choice.