Richard Wayne Norris, Jr.

Richard Wayne (RW) Norris was born on September 10, 1937, to Wayne and Ruby (Waldrip) Norris in Carlsbad, NM. He was called home to his Lord and Savior on July 4, 2024, at the age of 86 surrounded by his wife and family.

RW moved to the Knowles community in 1949 and has been a big part of the area since. He enjoyed the challenges and rewards of self-employment where he owned and operated several businesses throughout his working career. No matter what, he always gave it his all and enjoyed making a deal.

RW has a lifetime lapidary collection, and his passion was collecting and building jewelry. He always enjoyed teaching lapidary in schools, as well as at Sivells Baptist Camp. Recently, he has also enjoyed building walking canes and wall art for his friends and family.

He has been a member of Bethel Baptist Church since 1949. Throughout that time, he has served over 50 years as a deacon, bible study teacher, and building committee chairman. Anyone who sat through his Sunday morning bible studies or his trainings knew that he loved the Lord, and that he loved teaching the Word of God.

RW is a lifetime Gideon, joining in 1975. He actively spoke in churches throughout New Mexico and West Texas for decades and served on the state board. His love for the Lord showed in his daily walk. He was bold in his faith and spoke to everyone he encountered about the love of Jesus, up until the day he was called home.

In 1974, he took over as fire chief of the Knowles Volunteer Fire Department. He worked many years building the department into a great asset to the community and enjoyed working with his fire department family. He retired from the fire department in 1988, leaving it ready for the next generation to take over.

RW married Patsy Ann Vance (the love of his life) on June 2, 1960, of which survives him. Throughout their 64 years of marriage, they never wavered in their love and support of each other. He is also survived by his brother John Frank Norris & his wife Jeannie of Taos, sons; Keith Norris & wife Kathy of Midland, Joel Norris & his wife Jennifer of Carlsbad, Lee Norris & wife Teresa of Hobbs, Eric Norris & his wife Debbi of Roswell along with 12 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren.

He is predeceased in death by his parents Wayne & Ruby Norris, two infant sisters, brother W. Morgan Norris and grandson Cheyenne Cody Norris.

 In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Bethel Baptist Church building fund, or The Gideons International at sendtheword.org.