- Date Of Birth: October 6, 1932
- Date Of Death: June 10, 2016
- State: Arkansas
Omer Norris Avey, Jr., arrived at his heavenly home on June 10, 2016. His long, ten-year struggle with Parkinson is over. Norris was born October 6, 1932, in Jackson, Tennessee, the only child of Omer Norris Avey, Sr., and his wife, Aleene Gertrude Smith. He was the only grandchild of his maternal and paternal grandparents who lived in Jackson. He had one aunt and two uncles, but no cousins. He was surrounded by a small family who taught him early to love God and follow the teachings found in the Bible, and be a good citizen.
After graduation from high school, he spent one year at Union University. He transferred to Memphis State College to pursue a degree in Business. While there he was drafted at the end of the Korean War. After he was discharged, he returned to Memphis State to complete his bachelor’s degree. He received a Master’s degree in 1986.
Norris and Dixie Watson were married June 16, 1962, in Memphis. They have one daughter, Deborah Carol Avey Nelson, who is married to David Nelson, and they live in Missoula, Montana. Norris and Dixie’s only grandchild, Brittany Marie Barksdale Lyles and her husband, Edward Dean Lyles, live at Moses Lake, Washington. They have four children: Mara, Isabella, Edward and Emmett.
Norris spent thirty-three years in the company of exceptional people at First Tennessee Bank. He began in the Trust Department, became manager of Trust Accounting, and spent the last ten years in Funds Management. He often would say, “Every day was not always easy, bu it was ever dull.” He loved his work and appreciated his extended family at the bank.
Norris and Dixie were members of Bellevue Church before Dr. Adrian Rogers became pastor. They have been members of Bellevue over thirty years; Norris is a member of the Yokefellow Bible Class, and Dixie was a teacher in the Senior Adult Department.
It can be said of Norris that he had a long life well lived. He had a loving family, exceptional education, wonderful pastor and church. He will be buried at Cleburne Memorial Cemetery in Heber Springs. Bruce Shearer, Norris and Dixie’s Bible teacher in Heber for ten years, will conduct the service. Beverly Luetschwager, who has ministered to Norris the last two years, will sing. She has been an angel sent from the lord to help care for him.
