Norris Thomas

Norris Lee Thomas departed this life on Friday, March 7, 2025 in Biloxi, Mississippi.
He was born May 3, 1954, in Inverness, Mississippi to the parentage of the late W. A. Thomas and the late Betty Marsalis Thomas Taylor. He was the first of ten children. He was preceded in death by his son, Jamal Thomas; his brother, Ronald Lynn Thomas; stepfather, H. B. Taylor; grandparents, James Marsalis and Bessie Marsalis Banks; step grandfather, Cuffie Banks; grandparents, Willie and Magnolia Thomas; Aunts, Mildred Marsalis and Ophelia Marsalis Johnson.
Norris grew up in Pascagoula, Mississippi. He confessed his faith at an early age and was an avid reader of the Bible throughout his life. He graduated from Pascagoula High School. Norris enjoyed school and excelled in sports, especially football. After graduation he attended the University of Southern Mississippi and continued his academic growth and excelled in football. He was drafted by the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League in 1976 in the ninth round. His professional football career covered a total of nine years. He played with the Dolphins from 1976 – 1979 and Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 1980 – 1984. He retired from the NFL with impressive career statistics as a defensive cornerback. He was inducted into the Pascagoula Athletic Hall of Fame in 2016.
Other employment opportunities included being a Deputy Sheriff with the Jackson County Sheriff Department, a Lecturer/Counselor for domestic violence in Georgia and the Boys and Girls Club of Pascagoula, Mississippi. He also enjoyed the role of handy/repairman and considered himself an exceptional cook, especially when barbecue was on the menu.
Norris will be remembered by family and friends as a kind-hearted person, very charming and a gifted speaker. He leaves to cherish his memories: his daughters Natasha Rankins, Gautier, Mississippi, and Alethia Thomas, Houston, Texas, sons, Roderick Thomas, Las Vegas, Nevada, and Dr. Norris Thomas II, Charlotte, North Carolina; Siblings: Norman Thomas, Sharon Watson, Wallace (Gail) Thomas, Roshell Thomas, Sonia Taylor Monagan, Derek Taylor (Monica) all of Pascagoula, Mississippi, Cortier Thomas (Theresa) Gautier, Mississippi, Darrien Thomas, Lithonia, Georgia, Aunts and Uncles: Jim Marsalis (Sylvia) Memphis, Tennessee, Joe Ann Denning (Donald), Warner Robins, Georgia, Eddie Marsalis (Alice) Moss Point, Mississippi, Devone Bovastro, Pascagoula, Mississippi, Eddie Fields (Shauna), Opelika, Alabama, James L. Marsalis (Brina) Greenville, Mississippi, Ed Marsalis, New Orleans, Louisiana, Merlean Davis, Memphis, Tennessee and Johnny Fant, Washington; seven grandchildren; Best Friends: Tommy Woodson, Charles Clancy and Terrence Wells, a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.