Ronald "Ronnie" Norris

Ronald Norris, 83, of Ruskin Road, Elizabethtown, NC, passed away on Monday, September 27, 2021, at Bladen County Hospital. He was born in New York City, New York on March 17, 1938. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Elvis Norris and mother Waneta McQuaig Reynolds, sister, Barbara Busby and son-in-law Kenneth Tatum, Sr.

Ronnie leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving and caring wife of 61 years, Mary Elizabeth (Liz) Tatum Norris, a daughter, Robin Elizabeth Tatum; a son, Charles Edsel Norris; six grandchildren, Kenneth Tatum Jr., Brittany Tatum, Justin, Andrew, Sawyer and Brady Norris, six great grandchildren, Gabe, Damion, and Willow Tatum, Calleigh, Ayden, and Bennett Smith, brother Gil Reynolds (Trudy), and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

At the age of five, Ronnie and his family moved to Jacksonville, Florida. Following graduation, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps. Eventually, he was stationed at Jacksonville, North Carolina. While there, he met Elizbeth on a blind date and later married her. Other than his devotion to his Lord and his family, everyone knew that he was devoted to his Marines. Semper Fi Ronnie! He loved taking trips to Jacksonville to participate in some of the Marine celebrations.

Ronnie also loved pictures. You had better be careful or your picture would wind up in his collection. His niece, Michelle, is eternally grateful for his ability to be a great photographer. It was because of him that she has pictures of her wedding. When not taking pictures, one could often catch him square dancing with his wife. Ronnie was also an active member of the Ruritans.

The family will receive friends on Friday, October 1, 2021 from 10-10:45 am at the Christ Community Baptist Church Fellowship Hall in White Oak. A graveside service will follow at 11:00 am in the West Family Cemetery near 3759 NC Hwy 53 West, White Oak, NC. Rev. Leon Warren and Rev. Jerry Fisher are officiating. At other times, the family will receive friends at 792 Ruskin Rd, Elizabethtown. All attendees are please asked to wear masks.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the West Family Cemetery, c/o Leon West, 4417, Masonboro Loop Rd, Wilmington, NC 28409.