Norris proudly served his country in the United States Air Force and was honorably discharged from that service in 1981, having achieved the rank of Tech. Sergeant.
At the time of his death, he served as the Pastor of the Greater Solid Rock Christian Fellowship in Austin.
Funeral services were held on April 17 at St. James Missionary Baptist Church in Austin. On hand to honor this veteran were Patriot Guard Riders from the Austin and Centex regions. A line of American flags was formed at the entrance to the church to welcome the arriving family and friends.
Final interment services, with military honors, were conducted on April 19 at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen, Texas. Present were Patriot Guard Riders who formed a flag line along the roadway leading to the committal shelter. As final prayers were said, the Riders moved the flag line to surround the entrance to the shelter.
An Air Force honor guard conducted military honors. A bugler played taps, and the American flag that had draped the coffin was folded into a tight triangle and presented to his beloved wife, Ethel, on behalf of the President of the United States, the Department of the Air Force, and a grateful nation, for his faithful and dedicated service.
Norris Robert Thomas, Jr. was then laid to rest on the upper plain of the cemetery as the flag at the top of the hill flew at half-staff in his honor.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife, his many dear family members and to many friends to count.
Norris and Ethel believed and lived the teaching of Joshua 24:15.
“And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom you will serve; but as me and my house, we will serve the Lord."
He was the best and he is missed by so many, but he will never be forgotten
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