Wendell Kim Norris

Wendell Kim Norris, a dedicated farmer and pillar of the Hale Center community, passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, on March 20, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, service, and deep love for his family and many friends.

Born on December 13, 1954, in Lubbock, Texas, Kim was raised with a deep connection to the land and a love for farming it. He graduated from Kress High School in 1973 and quickly established himself in the fields he loved. For 50 years, he farmed in the Hale Center area, earning a reputation as a highly respected and successful producer. His expertise was recognized on a broader scale through his work as a National Product Evaluator for the Delta Pine Seed Company. He also grew cucumbers for Best Maid Pickles for many years. In all his years, he never met a stranger.

On April 7, 1979, he married the love of his life, Linda Cannon, in Hale Center. Together, they built a life centered on family, faith, and community. Kim believed in giving back to the town that supported him: he served on the board of directors for the Hale Center Co-Op Gin for many years and dedicated 12 years of service as a volunteer emergency medical technician for the Hale Center E.M.S. He was a faithful and active member of First Methodist Church for 47 years, serving as a trustee for several of those years. While his professional achievements were many, his greatest joy was his family. His unconditional love and support for his children knew no bounds. Known affectionately as “Gamps” to his grandchildren, he was a warm, steady, guiding presence in their lives.

Kim is survived by his wife, Linda Norris; his son, Jace Norris, and daughter-in-law Vicki Norris of Lubbock; his daughter, Meagan Thomas, and son-in-law Jason Thomas of Lubbock; four grandchildren, Henry Norris, Ellie Norris, Jaxon Thomas, and Brynlee Thomas; his mother, Betty Norris of Lubbock; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Dayne Norris; a brother, Ricky Norris; and two sisters, Dayna Ritter and DeLesa Norris-Smith.

A visitation will be held on Monday, March 23, 2026 from 5:00 P.M.- 6:30 P.M. at Kornerstone Funeral Directors in Plainview. Funeral services will be held the following day on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at 2:00 P.M. at First Methodist Church of Hale Center. The family requests that any memorial contributions be directed to First Methodist Church of Hale Center.