Willie Anderson Norris

1941 - 2012

Mr. Willie Anderson Norris, 71, of Ochelata, died at 5:00 P.M. on Tuesday, November 27, 2012 at his home surrounded by his family.
Funeral services for Mr. Norris will be held at 2 P.M. on Monday, December 3, 2012 at the Ramona First Baptist Church in Ramona with Rev. Kevin Baker officiating. Interment will be in the Ramona Cemetery directed by the Stumpff Funeral Home & Crematory.
Casket escorts will include David Opie, Matt Fugate, Rodney Lair, Harvey Hawkins, Joe Ross and Don Wright. Honorary casket escorts will include Lee Chew, Bill Wright, Dan Cowart, Gary Williamson, Tony Knight and Rick Shipley.
Willie was born in Seminole, Oklahoma on November 12, 1941 to Wood and Anna (Tate) Norris. He grew up in the rural Seminole area, attending Bowlegs school system. He continued his education at East Central University in Ada receiving a Bachelor of Science degree. He married Quatie Jean Allen in 1968 and along with three step children, Jeannie, Carol and Tommy Allen moved to Bartlesville. Willie and Quatie had two children Richard Lee and Melissa Ann, Richard dying at three months and Melissa dying at five years old, following an accident. Willie had a 17 year career with Phillips Petroleum Co. He worked in Norway during the construction of offshore Ekofisk project. In 1986 he started and operated his own company until lung cancer in 1993 forced him to retire.
Willie married Charlene (Jordan) Grissom September 21, 1990 in Bartlesville where they made their home until 2000. They moved to Lenapah in Nowata County where he served as Mayor, and was actively involved in community improvement. He and his family launched a fund raising effort through the Lenapah Cowboy Capital Jamboree Family Music Show for improvements in the community. This effort became the vehicle for the restoration of the historic rock gym built during the WPA era, as well as improvements to Lenapah Historical Society Museum and the city offices. He served his community and state for many years, serving as Chairman of the Lenapah Cowboy Camp Meeting, Grand Gateway Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council, State Council on Aging, Silver Haired Legislature, President of the State Silver Haired Legislature Alumni Assoc., and Chairman of the Board of the Lenapah Historical Society. He was actively involved working with Senior Citizen Centers in Nowata, and Washington counties advocating for Senior issues with State elected officials. Willie traveled extensively with Steve Cody Ministries throughout the U.S. providing sound for Charlene while leading the music. He was also a member of the Delaware Masonic Lodge # 477 AF & AM.
Willie and Charlene moved to the rural Ochelata area in 2005, where they were active members of First Baptist Church Ramona. Willie loved God, his family, friends and community. He had a special relationship with sons, Brad and Brian Grissom, as well as, grandsons, Marcus, Marshal, and Brent.
He is survived by his wife and soul mate, Charlene of the home, sons Brad Grissom and wife Linda and Brian Grissom and wife Vickie, three grandsons, Marcus Grissom and wife Elaine, Marshal Grissom and wife Jennifer, Brent Grissom and wife April, and granddaughter, Brandi Long, great grandsons, Derrick and Lane, great granddaughters, Reese and Abigail, a sister, Anita Stinnett, one special nephew, Patrick Stinnett and several other nieces and nephews, step daughters, Carol (Allen) Kocheski and Jeannie Allen, step granddaughters, Erica King and Emeri Elson and step great grandson, Kase King.
He was preceded in death by his mother and father Wood and Anna Norris, children, Richard and Melissa Norris,brother Jim Norris, brother-in-law Pat Stinnett and stepson Tommie Allen.
The family suggests donations be made to Comforting Hands Hospice, 2450 S.E. Washington Blvd., Bartlesville, Oklahoma, 74006.
Friends who wish may sign the online guest book and leave condolences at www.stumpff.org.