Cecil Norris

Cecil Ray “Pete“ Norris, 80, left this life to be with his Heavenly Father, Sunday, July 1, 2018 surrounded by his loving family. Funeral services will be 1:00 PM Friday, July 6, 2018 at Pecan Grove Funeral Home, 3124 Robinson Dr., Waco, with Tom Wornock officiating. Burial will follow at Waco Memorial Park. The family will receive visitors 5 – 7:00 PM Thursday, July 5, 2018 at the funeral home.

Cecil Ray Norris was born March 23, 1938 to the late Cecil Dale and Bertha Norris in Athens, Texas and was later nicknamed Pete by his brother at an early age. Pete was the brother to 9 sisters and one older brother, David who preceded him in death. He followed in his father's footsteps and worked alongside his dad as a plumber at Norris Plumbing Company later becoming the owner. Pete was raised in a Christian home by mother who taught him all about the love of Jesus.

Pete met and married the love of his life, Gloria on August 31, 1957. They lived and raised a family of three in Waco, Texas, Jan, Cecil Jr. (Bubba), and Karen. He worked hard to make sure Gloria and the kids had everything they needed and wanted for nothing. He provided a great home for all of them. He took his family to church each and every time the doors were open and made sure that they all knew the love of Jesus as his mother taught him. Pete instilled in them that the blood of Jesus covers us all and that He died on the cross so that we may live. He taught them to know and understand that by his stripes you are healed. He taught them about God's grace and mercy. Pete took time to take his family on vacations and many camping trips. A lot of fun times were had and a lot of memories were made. The kids all learned to love camping so as adults continued the camping tradition with their children as well. On one camping trip November 14, 2009, Pete baptized Jan in the water at Lake Whitney. It was very cold outside but to hear him tell the water was extremely warm that day because the presence of the Lord was surely there.

Pete loved to hunt, fish with his grandchildren and play golf with his friends, sons-in-law, and grandchildren. He loved to have a project going at all times and had many great ideas. He loved to invent things to help make those projects easier and often got more carried away with that than the matter at hand. Evidence of that can be found all around.

Pete spent countless hours writing his thoughts on any and every piece of paper he could find even a Whataburger receipt was found in his writings. He would stop there before church for breakfast and if he had a thought or something on his mind he would always write it down. He would often challenge you with a question about Christ or something in the Bible and tell you to ponder on this a while, but rest assured he always had the answer for you. He would say I'm not sure you're ready for this but I'm going to share it with you anyway. He took every opportunity to share his knowledge about the Word and in joking he would always end with just leave your tithes and offering on the table when you leave. He was truly an amazing man of God, a devoted husband, a loving father, an outstanding Pawpaw, brother, and friend who brought joy and smiles to anyone who came in contact with him. He was a mentor and an inspiration to us all. He held on to his belief in healing and showed his amazing strength to his family. His last few days were a lesson to us all, never give up. The anchor holds and Satan doesn't win.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, David Norris; sisters, Margie Waller, Mary Dale Brown, Linda Meyers; grandson, Wade Schnick; and four great-grandbabies.

Pete is survived by his wife of nearly 61 years, Gloria; children, Anita Jan Hall and husband Roger, Cecil Ray Norris Jr., Karen Schnick and husband Lynn; grandchildren, Traci Reed, Teresa Fugitt and husband Micah, Justin Hall and wife Aimee, Amanda Norris, Erica Carlson and husband Anthony, Lindsey Bullock and husband Mark, Aimee Longenbaugh and husband Colby, Amber Schnick; great-grandchildren, Chance Binder, Chesney Binder, Chase Binder, Brody Hall, Brinlee Hall, Riley Fugitt, Emily Fugitt, Morgan Schnick, Bo Allen Bullock; sisters, Lilly Martin, Nancy Smith, Shirley Hilliard, Carolyn Taylor, Eva Sparks, Nelda Norris; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.