Robert Leonard Norris Sr.

LAURINBURG — Robert Leonard Norris Sr., 85, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025, at Morrison Manor.

Visitation was held at New Hope Baptist Church in Laurinburg, North Carolina, on Friday, Dec. 12, 2025, from 1 to 2 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 2:00 PM, officiated by Pastor Nathan Black. Interment followed at Roselawn Cemetery in McColl, South Carolina.

Born on Dec. 5, 1940, in Marlboro County, South Carolina, he was a son of the late Benjamin Franklin Norris and Annie Lee Yates.

Robert was deeply connected to his community, being a founding member of the McColl Rescue Squad and serving as a Boy Scoutmaster. His involvement in coaching little league baseball not only reflects his commitment to youth development but also highlights his passion for nurturing the next generation. He also devoted 32 years of his career as a supervisor at Eaton Corporation before retiring.

Robert's interests were vast; he was an avid bass fisherman, a fan of NASCAR where Richard Petty was his favorite, and he found pleasure in keeping up his yard and pool. These hobbies brought him happiness and were often shared with his family. The love for his family topped them all.

Robert was a proud and loving husband to Mary Gibson Norris, with whom he shared 65 wonderful years of marriage; his son, Robert Norris Jr. (Ally) of Whispering Pines; his daughter, Donna Butler of Fayetteville; his grandchildren, Teri Barrington of Fayetteville, Jessica Norris of Laurinburg, Gary Parker Jr. (Ashley) of Gibson, and Isabella Norris of Whispering Pines; and his great-grandchildren, Jayden, Michael, Kayleb, Jackson, Mason, Karah, Emma Jade, Justin, Jayleigh, LJ and Jaxon.

He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Jayme Rogers; brother, Franklin Norris; and sisters, Marilyn Smith and Patricia Gainey.

Memorials may be made to Scotland Regional Hospice, PO Box 1033, Laurinburg, N.C., 28353.

Bumgarner Family Funeral Service and Crematorium is assisting the Norris family. Online condolences can be made at www.bumgarnerfunerals.com.