A long-time friend of the lumber industry recently passed away after a long battle with cancer. Billy Carroll Norris died on Sunday, February 12, 2017. Born in Coats, NC on November 9, 1935, he grew up on his family’s farm. After graduating from high school, Billy served in the U.S. Army and was stationed at the Nike Missile site in Rehoboth, Massachusetts. While in Rehoboth, he met Evelyn Champagne, gave his heart to her, and asked her to move south as his wife. They had a daughter Lynne.
Billy Norris made an impact in the forest products industry by manufacturing top quality, heavy duty machinery for the pallet and sawmill industries. He started work as a welder for Newman Machine and after a short time moved to Nelson Machine and Grinder Company. Through a strong work ethic, a critical mind, and thirst for learning, Billy held many positions, ultimately becoming president and general manager. He enjoyed going to work every day for 53 years until Nelson Machine was purchased by Newman Machine. When not at work, Billy preferred being outside. Whether hunting or fishing with his son-in-law David and grandsons Thad and Hunter, or providing pontoon rides at High Rock Lake, he appreciated and found joy in nature.
Billy is survived by his wife Evelyn, daughter Lynne Norris Murray and husband David, grandsons Thaddeus Murray and Hunter Murray, sister Pat Francisco and brother Bobby Norris. Evelyn and the family wish to share their deep gratitude to Dr. Mohamed K. Mohamed for the six years of helping Billy live with, rather than dying from cancer.
Those wanting to honor Billy’s life can make donations to the Lung Cancer Initiative of NC, 400 Blue Ridge Rd., Suite 170, Raleigh, NC 27612.
