Chief Norris joined the U.S. Navy on July 30, 1952. He served on Active duty until July 18, 1956 when he did a four year standby reserve obligation until November 1, 1956 when he began serving in the active reserves as a Selective Reserve BT2 until his retirement on September 30, 1990. He is preceded in death by his parents, William Bishop Norris and Grace Lehr Norris and beloved wife, Marion R. Norris.
He is survived by his nephew, Jim Norris of Jacksonville, FL, and four step-children, Michael Kiser (Melissa) of Mexico Beach, FL, Linda Kiser, Foley, AL, Diana Wright (Mark) of Daphne, AL, and Jerry Kiser (Gina) of Mobile, AL. Ten grandchildren and six great-grandchildren also survive him.
Bill was known as Master Chief Bill Norris (BTCM William B. Norris, USN Ret.) by all his friends and surely the community at W.F. Green. He was quite popular there and known and addressed simply as “Master Chief or Chief”. He was a friend to everyone throughout his entire life and career, always offering a helping hand to anyone who needed it. Bill always had a smile on his face and a friendly word for anyone he came in contact with.
Bill became a letter carrier with the U.S. Postal Service in 1956 until retiring on October 30, 1990.
Chief Norris was very active in the community holding membership in S.B. Adams #884 (Masonic Lodge), serving as treasurer, past master, and past secretary, J.D. Wood Naval Enlisted Association Life Member, Disabled American Veterans Chapter #7, Life Member, The Retired Enlisted Association, VFW Post #49, Mobile, AL, American Legion Post #88, Mobile, AL and National Association of Letter Carriers #469 in Mobile, AL.
He was a resident at W. F. Green Veterans Home since 2022.
The family would like to thank the staff and community at W.F. Green for the wonderful care, friendship and support that Bill and his family received. Also, they would like to thank the staff at North Baldwin Infirmary and USA-University Hospital for the excellent care shown him. A special thank you to Sharon Stanley, Bill’s very dedicated caregiver who provided excellent care and attention to every detail needed. She was his true friend.
A Memorial Celebration of Bill’s life will be held on Thursday, May 7, 2026 from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at Radney Funeral Home, 3155 Dauphin Street, Mobile, AL 36606.
