U.S. veteran Ret. Major Gerald Lee Norris, Sr. 74 of Fortson, Ga. died on Jan. 18, 2012 at his home in Fortson. Memorial services will be held 2 p.m. on Jan. 21 at The Church in the County in Cataula, Ga. His family will receive friends
before and after the services at the church. Gerald was born on Dec. 5, 1937 in Leesville, the son of Leon and Ettie Scarber Norris. He was a retired U.S. Army Major serving three tours of duty in Vietnam and was awarded the Silver Service Star and
The Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, among other medals, badges and decorations. Major Norris started his military career enlisting in the Marine Corps, serving on the USS Philippine Sea aircraft carrier in the Far East prior to his
distinguished Army career. After several field promotions, he graduated from the Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, Ga. and retired in 1980 following 20 years of total military service. Gerald also served the communities where he lived by
coaching youth sports, mentoring youth groups and founding the Leesville High School Class of 1956 Scholarship Fund. Music was always a part of his life. As a very young man he occasionally performed with small local bands, including once opening for
a (then) little-known singer named George Jones. While serving aboard the Philippine Sea he was a member of a four piece band that would play at ports of call. He shared his love of music with friends and family throughout his life.
Gerald is survived by his wife of 53 years, Henry Etta Norris of Fortson; two sons, Gerald “Jerry” Lee Norris, Jr. (Kati) of Houston and Rick Norris (Cathy) of Cataula, Ga; two younger brothers, Warren Norris of Stillwater, Okla. and Glenn
Norris of Leesville; six grandchildren, Che’ Ward, Leon Henry Norris, Melissa Renee’ Wilcher, Lindsay Kay Trojan, Emily Cathryn Norris, and Austin Hamilton Norris; six great-grandchildren, Andy, Brandon, Jackson, Kali, Wyatt and Liam, as well as many
loved nieces, nephews and other family members. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Maj. Gerald Lee Norris, Sr. to the Church in the County, 12289 Ga. Hwy 315, Cataula, Ga. 31804, The Leesville High School Class of 1956
Scholarship Fund (Mr. Charles Underwood Treasurer, Ivy Lou Road Leesville, LA 71446) or any charity of your choosing.
Cox Funeral Home in Hamilton will be in charge of the arrangements. Please visit www.coxfh.com to sign the online registry and leave condolences for the family.