John William Norris

John William Norris, age 97, of Willard, North Carolina, fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith. On Thursday, September 17, 2026, he entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

John was born on October 14, 1928, in Pender County, North Carolina, the son of the late Benjamin Curtis Norris and Viola Wells Norris. He was also preceded in death by his beloved wife of 52 years Mollie Norris; his sons, Richard Lee Norris, David Earl Norris, and Ted William Norris; two grandsons, Jonathan Perry Norris and William Johnathan Norris; and nine of his siblings.

For more than 30 years, John was a faithful and dedicated member of Wallace First Assembly of God Church. He faithfully served on the church board for many years and was later named an honorary member of the board. John dearly loved his church and his church family. If the doors were open, you could usually count on John being there—worshiping the Lord, enjoying fellowship, and simply loving people.

Surviving to cherish his memory are his daughters, Darlene Anders of Burgaw and Betty Sherrill and husband Bob of Willard; grandchildren, Pam Hogan, Dean Blizzard and wife Anita, Dale Fisher and wife Michelle, Patty Powell and husband Jason, Ricky Norris, Teresa Parker and husband James, Christopher Norris, and Kyle Norris; sixteen great-grandchildren; eighteen great-great-grandchildren; one great-great-great-grandchild; his sister, Evelyn Parker of Wallace; his sweetheart and companion of 25 years, Eloise Register; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, church family, and friends who loved John dearly.

John was a loving father, caring grandfather, devoted brother, and faithful friend. He was a humble and contented man who never needed much to be happy. He was caring, generous, and loving, and he treated people with a kindness that made them feel welcome. To John, no one was a stranger.

 Those who knew him will especially remember his laugh. It could brighten a room and lift someone’s spirits. John loved being around people. He enjoyed fellowship, conversation, having a good time, and, perhaps most of all, making other people laugh. His life was centered around his faith, his family, and his church. He loved the Lord and sought to live his faith not merely in words, but in the way he cared for others.

 Earlier in life, John also loved the outdoors and especially enjoyed fishing.John lived 97 years, but the true measure of his life cannot be counted simply in years. It can be seen in the generations of family who loved him, the church family he faithfully served, the friendships he made, the laughter he shared, and the countless lives made a little brighter because John Norris was part of them.

Those who knew John knew without a doubt that he was a gift from God. Though he will be greatly missed, the love, faith, laughter, and memories he leaves behind will not be forgotten.

A funeral service will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 20, 2026, at Wallace First Assembly of God Church with Reverend Leo Bracken officiating.

The family will receive friends immediately following the service at the church.Interment will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, September 21, 2026, at Riverview Memorial Park in Watha, North Carolina.

The family extends its heartfelt appreciation to the Lower Cape Fear LifeCare team for the compassionate care, help, and support provided during this time.

In lieu of flowers, the family believes John would be honored by memorial gifts made to the Wallace First Assembly of God Church Building Fund, 212 W. Main Street, Wallace, NC 28466.

You may share your memories and send condolences to the Norris family by selecting our Guestbook above.

Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home of Wallace, North