George Norris

GARLAND — Mr. George Norris was born on June 4, 1920 in Parkersburg, the son of Harmon and Alberta Norris. George joined the Coast Guard and contributed his service in that capacity for a time. He patrolled the North Carolina coast and was also sent to serve around Long Island, N.Y. Afterwards, he came to Garland in the early 1940’s and started his own hot dog stand on Front Street. He soon built his own car lot and a building for that purpose on the corner of what is now the main intersection in Garland.

On Oct. 1, 1944, in Raleigh, he married Mary Elizabeth Green who preceded him in death. They settled in Garland and within a year or shortly after, they bought a store on Main Street which they called Rainbow Supermarket and later became George Norris General Merchandise. The store business lasted for 39 years. They also bought a home and a farm about that same time. Through the years, he bought other farms and has farmed with his son and with his whole family; farming has always been very special to him. He has also in past years, bought several houses and rented or sold them within the Town of Garland. They both were involved in many decisions with other merchants within the Town of Garland in the early years. George was a member of Garland Missionary Baptist Church, also served on the Merchant Committee and the Garland ABC Board.

In 1985, George sold the store but continued to farm. Farming and agriculture throughout the many years has involved: corn, soybeans, tobacco, blueberries, wheat, rye, grain, sorghum, peanuts, and cotton. Livestock has involved hogs and cows. Also, when he was able, he liked to have some chickens to mess with and even some dogs, rabbits, sheep, goats and horses. In other words, he liked to try a little of everything.

The funeral will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, Jan. 25, at the Garland Baptist Church, by the Rev. Clayton Sutton. Burial will follow in the Garland Cemetery.

Mr. Norris is survived by his present wife, Addie A. Norris; one son, George Wooten’ Wootie” Norris and his wife, Sandra of Garland; one daughter, Mary Anne Norris Johnson and her husband, Anthony of Garland; grandchildren, Scarlet Kaye Norris, George Wooten Norris Jr. and wife, Jennifer Mitchell, Caleb Trevor Johnson and fiancé, Hailey Carroll, and Gabrielle Elizabeth Johnson; great-grandchildren, Sydney Norris, Coleton Norris.

Online condolences maybe sent through www.carterfh.com

Service by Carter Funeral Home in Garland.