Arthur "Gene" Norris

Arthur “Gene” Norris, 91, passed away on May 13, 2026. Born April 19, 1935, Gene lived a life marked by steadfast devotion and quiet purpose, offering steady guidance to many through decades of ministry. A resident of Grand Blanc, Michigan, Gene will be remembered with deep respect and gratitude by all who knew him.

Gene dedicated his entire life to being a pastor. He attended Welch College in Nashville, Tennessee, where he studied theology, and went on to pastor churches across Missouri, Arizona, Illinois, and Michigan. His commitment to building and nurturing faith communities was enduring. Among his many years of service, he started the First Free Will Baptist Church in Benton, Illinois.

Gene met his wife, Esther “Jane,” at a youth camp, and their first date was a revival. This was an early reflection of the life they would build together, centered on ministry and shared calling. Their legacy continues through Welch College in the form of The Rev. Gene & Jane Norris Pastoral Scholarship, a lasting tribute to the values they lived and the future leaders they sought to encourage.

Beyond the pulpit, Gene found joy in the rhythms of everyday life. He was a devoted sports fan who loved watching the Cubs, and he enjoyed playing softball, basketball, and bowling. Yet of all the roles he held, Gene most cherished being “Grandpa.” He showed his love through faithful presence. You could find him at soccer games and track meets, and he never missed The River Church’s livestream to watch his grandchildren leading worship. Even when he could not attend in person, he made sure to ask about every event, holding their lives close through attentive care and unwavering support.

Gene is survived by his children, Kevin (Debra) Norris of Chesterfield, Michigan, and Jeffrey (Christina) Norris of Grand Blanc, Michigan; grandchildren Sarah (Jameson) Blade of Brighton, Michigan, Hanna (DJ) Boilore of Madison Heights, Michigan, Caleb Norris (Gretchen Skoglund) of Indianapolis, Indiana, and Josiah (Lorena) Norris of Goodrich, Michigan; great-grandson Dallas Blade of Brighton, Michigan; and his sister, Lorene Miley of Nashville, Tennessee.

Gene was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Esther “Jane,” and his siblings Maxine, Pauline, Patricia, and Jerry.

A funeral visitation will be held at Brown Funeral Home, 1480 E Hill Road, Grand Blanc, Michigan on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 from 4:00pm to 8:00pm. A funeral service will be held at Brown Funeral Home the following day, May 20, 2026 at 1:00pm with visitation one hour prior. Following the funeral service, Arthur will be laid to rest at Crestwood Memorial Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Welch College in honor of Arthur. https://welch.edu/give/