Bobby Carol Norris, 80, peacefully left this world from his home to be with his heavenly Father and Savior on Saturday, January 28, 2023. Bobby was born in Newport, Arkansas on April 17, 1942, the son of Ed and Lillie Mae (Couch) Norris.
Bobby graduated from Swifton High School. He began his career working as an American farmer for his brother, Hubert Norris Farm, worked for Hurley Gins for several years, managed Countryside Homes and finally owned his own successful business, Southland Oil for many years. He loved his community and was always willing to serve. He was a member of the Swifton School Board for five years, sponsored various fundraisers, and was a member of the Robinson and Center Church of Christ in Conway.
Bobby’s life centered on his love for his family. He was always loving his family, supporting and encouraging them, and modeling hard work and faithfulness. He loved cooking big meals and hot tamales, singing little made-up ditties, telling funny stories, and building and creating projects. Bobby could make anything and fix everything. He loved to fish, camp, play and listen to music, and go for drives to see eagles. Most of all, he loved spending time with his Linda! He was the most loving patriarch, who blessed his family every day with his positive attitude, wisdom, and sweet spirit.
Bobby was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers, Clarence, Charles, Joe, Noel Gene, and Shelby Norris; and two sisters, Verniece Abbott and Erma Lee Kimbrough.
Bobby loved his family fiercely, and they loved him. He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Linda Joyce (Foust) Norris; his daughter, Tammy Benson and husband, Lawrence; his son, Shannon Norris and wife, Cynthia; four grandchildren, Matt Benson, Meagan Baker and husband, Justin, Kyle Norris, and Bethany Norris; and three great-grandchildren, Waylon, Weston, and Wyatt Baker. Also surviving Bobby is one brother, Hubert Norris and wife, Linda; two sisters, Shirley Lemay and Joyce Tims; as well as many, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who loved him.
Friends may visit at the funeral home, Thursday evening, 5:00-7:00 p.m. Funeral services are 10:00 a.m. Friday, February 3, at Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home Chapel, with interment at Arnold Cemetery.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Matt Benson, Kyle Norris, Justin Baker, Kenneth Rowlett, Josh Warne, Robby Callahan, Perry Callahan, and Andy Foust. Honorary pallbearers are Floyd Campbell, Charles Ed Dukes, Larry Templeton, Jimmy Weaver, Buddy Hulett, Carl Neal, Bobby Higgins, Tim Higgins, and Roger Foust.
