Thurston Norris was born in Valdosta, Ga., on Sept. 2, 1952 to the late A.L. "Shorty" Norris and Mildred Westberry Norris.
Following graduation Norris served his country honorably in the United States Army. He graduated from Valdosta State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice and a Master's Degree in Sociology. He retired from the Florida Department of Corrections. He attended Prospect Primitive Baptist Church, Hebron Primitive Baptist Church and New Hope Baptist Church. Norris was a deeply loving person. His uniqueness and quick wit aided in him having many who were proud to call him their friend. He loved whole heartedly in all aspects of his life as it related to his family, friends and pets. To say Norris was a Florida State University fan is an understatement. He loved the Lord first, his family, FSU and Lynyrd Skynyrd.
Norris was a loving grandfather and "Doodle" to his Chloe Elizabeth. Survivors include his only daughter, Nora Leigh Norris Rogers (Dennis) and their daughter, Chloe; his brother, Larry Norris; his nephew, Aaron Norris (Haley) and their daughter, Henley; his aunt, Lou Jean Thornton (Jimmie) and his loyal dog Curtis Lowe.
Services were held on Saturday, March 13, in the chapel of Harry T. Reid Funeral Home in Jasper, Fla. In keeping with his wishes, Norris was cremated.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN. 38105, or www.stjude.org or to The Humane Society, 1255 23rd St. NW Suite 450 Washington, D.C., 20037, or to www.humanesociety.org.
Harry T. Reid Funeral Home, Jasper, Fla., was in charge of arrangements.