Rev. William Earl Norris

Rev. William Earl Norris, age 96, of Sanford, NC, passed away Sunday, August 20, 2023 at his home, surrounded by his family.

He was born in Harnett County, NC on August 31, 1926 to the late Archie B. Norris and Nellie Hughes Norris.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 71 years, Della Mae Holder Norris; brothers Clarence, Roy, Lee, Willie, Clyde, Jessie and sister Betty Mason. After years of self-study and with the guidance from the Superintendent, Rev. Herbert Carter, Earl was ordained as a minister of the Pentecostal Free Will Baptist in 1963.  He was the founding pastor of Life Springs Church and for many, known as San Lee Chapel.

Rev. Norris is survived by a son Samuel Earl Norris (Janet) of Sanford; daughters, Glenda Davenport of the home, Deborah Meyer-Morgan (Craig) of Durham; brother Charles Norris of Sanford; sisters Thelma Norris of Sanford, Rachel Norris of Sanford; and grandchildren Joseph Meyer of Connecticut, Albert Meyer of Durham, Beth Lassiter of Sanford, Andrew Davenport of the home and Dawn Windham of Sanford.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, August 23, 2023 from 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM at Life Springs Church with the funeral service following at 3:00 PM with Rev. John Sauls and Rev. Dale Sauls officiating.  Burial will follow at Lee Memory Gardens.

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