Ray Robert Norris

Ray Norris, a devoted husband, decorated Army aviator, community servant, and quiet hero, passed away on December 23, 2025, at the age of 84, leaving behind a legacy of courage, humility, and unwavering love. He was a man who believed in service over recognition, action over words, and purpose over comfort.
Ray was born in Bismarck, Missouri, to Lou and Raymond Norris and was raised alongside his brother, Ed. His father was a dairy farmer in Lombard, Illinois, where Ray learned the value of hard work by watching his father tend to more than 150 cows. Though too young to help, Ray absorbed lessons that would guide him throughout his life.
As a boy, Ray's imagination took flight near a small airport close to his family home. He spent countless hours watching airplanes land and take off, dreaming of the day he might fly himself. That dream followed him through his youth, where he built and flew model airplanes and even transformed his childhood closet into a cockpit, sharing flights of imagination with his friend Clark. It was clear early on Ray was born to fly.
What began as a spontaneous act of young love became the foundation of a 64-year marriage marked by devotion, partnership, and deep affection. Ray often said that his beloved wife, Dale, was the best part of his story.
Following his service in Vietnam, Ray became an instructor pilot at Fort Rucker, specializing in emergency landings without engine power and training hundreds of pilots in life-saving skills. Over a distinguished 30-year military career, Ray served through three wars and rose to become Commander of an Army Aviation Flight Facility. His many decorations included the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, 30 Air Medals, and the Quilt of Valor, his most cherished honor, handcrafted locally to reflect his service and sacrifice.
After retiring from the military, Ray flew corporate jets for Sears before settling into retirement. In 2001, Ray and Dale made their home in Anthem, where Ray once again answered the call to serve this time through community involvement. He joined Rotary and the Ray of Hope Youth Project, a program dedicated to supporting at-risk teens and helping them succeed. It is now known as The Ray of Hope Foundation.
Ray was known for his gentleness, humility, and quiet leadership. He never considered himself a hero, insisting instead that he simply "did the job." Those who knew him understood otherwise. Ray embodied integrity, selflessness, and the very best of the American spirit.
Ray is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Dale Norris, nephew John Paul Norris, niece Sara Norris, and great niece Raylynn Norris, niece Alisha Thanos, nephew Greg Thanos, great nephew Harrison Thanos, great niece Jordan Thanos and great niece Nicolette Thanos, niece Cindy Norris, sister-in-law Teppie Kalesz, brother-in-law Joe Kalesz, beloved friends Dave and Marge Newham, extended family, dear friends, fellow veterans, neighbors and community.
Ray Norris lived a life of purpose. He followed his dreams, served his country, loved deeply, gave generously, and lifted others along the way. He believed he could fly and he did, in every sense that matters. Today, as the sun sets and the sky glows with quiet beauty, we are reminded that Ray's spirit still soars above us, watching over those he loved.
The graveside service will be held on February 19th at 11:00am at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona. 2929 E Pinnacle Peak Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85024
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ray Norris Youth Foundation through the Anthem Rotary.
· Venmo: @AnthemRotary-Foundation- Attn: Ray Norris Youth Program
· Mailing a check: Donation checks may be payable to Anthem Rotary Foundation with "Ray Norris Program" noted in the memo line.
Anthem Rotary Club
3655 W Anthem Way
Suite A-109 PMB 107
Anthem, AZ 85086
Live Stream Link: https://vimeo.com/event/5636757
Recorded Video Link: https://vimeo.com/1152706537