Jessie Ray Norris III

Mr. Jessie Ray Norris III "Ray," 56, of Washington, NC, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, November 23, 2025. Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 30, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. at Wilkerson Funeral Home in Greenville. The funeral service will follow at 4:00 p.m. in the Wilkerson Funeral Home Chapel.
Mr. Norris, born July 16, 1969, was a lifelong resident of Washington. He was the son of Jessie Ray Norris, Jr. and the late Rachel Morgan Norris. He was a 1987 graduate of North Pitt High School in Bethel. On September 29, 1990, he married Minni Suozzo Norris, with whom he shared his two children, Krista and Jay. Ray was a skilled, self-employed machinist who faithfully serviced cylinder heads for 40 years.
Mr. Norris was preceded in death by his mother, Rachel Morgan Norris, on July 29, 2006; his stepmother, Gail; his grandparents, Jessie Ray Norris Sr., Fannie Louise Norris, Warren Hobart, and Wilma Dawson Morgan; his maternal uncles, Pete, Garrett, and Perry Morgan, and aunt, Faye Garska.
He will be deeply missed by his father, Jessie Ray Norris, Jr. of Washington; his two children, Krista Brooke Norris (Josh) of Washington and Jessie Ray Norris IV "Jay" of Greenville; his three grandchildren, Carson, Eliza Brooke, and Joshua "Iver"; his brother, Chris Norris (Kimi), and niece, Abby, all of Washington; his step-siblings, Stacey, Emily, Courtney, and Andrew; his maternal aunts, Patricia "Pat" Wilson (Ray) of Grimesland, Louise Potter of Charlotte, Betty Hardee and Linda Tripp (Marshall), both of Greenville, and Sue Edwards (Lendy) of Shalimar, FL; his paternal uncle, Kenneth (Rae) of Chocowinity; as well as numerous cousins.
Ray's absence is felt immensely, and he will be missed greatly by all who loved him. His grandchildren will always remember him for his playful antics and the nicknames he lovingly gave them: Carson "C," Eliza Brooke "Baby Girl," and Iver "Mustard Man," a name gifted by Ray's dad.
Ray had a lifelong love of fast cars and NASCAR racing. Most of all, he will be remembered for his big heart, his infectious laughter, and the deep love he showed to everyone around him. His legacy lives on in the family he cherished and the many lives he touched.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be mailed to the family for a fund benefiting the future of his beloved grandchildren at 6415 Clarks Neck Rd., Washington, NC 27889.