Felton Ven Norris

Felton V. Norris, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, peacefully passed away on January 20, 2025, at age 86. Born in Marion County, AL on December 4, 1938, Felton graduated from Brilliant High School in 1957. While on a graduation trip to Washington, D.C., he tested with the FBI and was hired. He spent the next year working and learning about computer programming and databases. After returning to Alabama, he met the love of his life, Mary, and they were married shortly after. Felton and Mary then moved to Huntsville where he took a job at Thiokol. In 1962, Felton was drafted into the Army and he and Mary were stationed at Colorado Springs, CO. After completing his service, Felton and Mary returned to Huntsville and Felton continued his career as a database administrator at Thiokol, as well as 8 years in The Army Reserve.

Felton received Christ early in adulthood and began serving at Hillwood Baptist Church, where he was a deacon. He and Mary worked tirelessly in the bus ministry. Many children rode the bus in those years to learn about God’s love. Felton also worked writing computer programs with volunteer organizations.

After retiring from 36 years at Thiokol, Felton enjoyed fishing and hunting with his grandsons. He also enjoyed tending his large vegetable gardens. His favorites were tomatoes, okra and peanuts, which he generously shared with family and friends.

Felton was preceded in death by his father, Marvin Norris, his mother, Jesse Norris, his brother Donald Norris, his sister, Geneva Corkren, and his sister Mavis Price.

Felton is survived by his wife of 64 years, Mary, his brother, Aubrey Norris, his sister, Gustave McKenzie; his two daughters, Connie Crain (Bryan) of Madison, AL and Anita Ayers (Jim) of New Market, AL; four grandsons, Brandon Crain (Bridget), Bradley Crain (Andrea), Aaron Ayers, and Nicholas Ayers (Alesia); and his five great-grandchildren, Caroline Crain, Garrett Crain, Owen Crain, Bennett Crain and Collier Crain.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers who played a vital role in taking care of Felton. We will be forever grateful for the compassion, dedication, and unwavering support provided by the doctors, nurses and staff at Floyd E. “Tut” Fann Veterans Home.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, January 23, 2025, from 10:00-12:00 at Valhalla Funeral Home & Memory Gardens, 698 Winchester Rd NE, Huntsville, AL 35811, followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 12:00 pm. A graveside service will follow at Locust Grove Baptist Church in New Market, AL.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.