Norman Mitchell Farris

Norman Mitchell Farris was born in Marshall, Texas, on March 24, 1933, to Acie and Mamie Farris. The oldest of three boys, he grew up in Harrison County and was a 1950 graduate of Karnack High School where he was a proud member of the six-man football team. He then enlisted in the US Army, serving as a drill sergeant at Fort Ord, California. Norman returned to East Texas and worked as an automobile salesman at Carrington Motors in Marshall. He was also employed with Southwestern Electric Power Company where he introduced all-electric homes to East Texas and Louisiana. Norman met his future bride, Nettie Sue Cagle, in Jefferson, and they married in Post Oak, Texas, on December 17, 1955. Norman soon began a very successful trucking company which hauled huge nuclear reactors requiring tight security clearance throughout the United States. Norman and his beloved wife Sue were very involved in the lives of their parents, siblings, nieces and nephews and their children. They will always be remembered as generous, loving, fun, and supportive of whatever activities their families were involved in.

Norman is survived by his brother David Farris and wife Jodie; sister-in-law Kathy Wood who was also his caregiver; brother-in-law Rayford Cagle. Surviving nieces and nephews are Dr. Doug Farris (Shannon); Darla Turner (Mike), Blake and Brandon; Diana Farris; Debbie Wilkes (Gary), Ashlyn and Ryan; Michael Farris; Sarah Porter (Phil), Amos and Arlo; Michelle Vollmar (Joe), Kristie and her children Guinevere and Reese; Jason Evans (Gabriela), Corey (Katlyn) Shiner Ray and Candace (Ben) Culberton; Lori Wood Jones (fiancé Shawn Duffer), Dakota Jones; Jamey Jones and daughter Royalty; Roger Cagle (Mechele); Karen Lopez (Julio). Special thanks to Michelle and James Morehead for helping care for Norman. Norman was predeceased by his parents; his loving wife, Sue; sister-in-law Gene Cagle; brother Stanley and sister-in- law Norma Farris, and sister-in-law Martha Farris. In addition, many friends and extended family members loved Norman and cherish his memory.

Rev. Henry Blackmon will officiate at the memorial service at First Baptist Church Longview chapel on Monday, September 30, at 1:00 p.m. with visitation in the atrium at 12:00 noon under the direction of Downs Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Woodlawn, Texas.

Memorials may be made to Texas 4-H Youth Development Foundation, East Post Oak Missionary Baptist Church in Blossom, Texas, or First Baptist Church Longview New England Missions Fund. Contact Downs Funeral Home for information.