NEWARK — Mr. Billy Ray Norris of Newark,

Ark., departed this life on Sunday, January 16, 2022, at the age of 91. He was born September 7, 1930, in Newark, the son of Raymond and Emma (Wheelis) Norris.

In the summer of 1949, when he was 18 years old, Mr. Norris was hired by Ford Motor Company in Detroit, Mich. He worked in Detroit, until he was promoted and transferred to Chicago assembly in Chicago, Illinois. He was working as Assistant Plant Manager at the time of his retirement.

Mr. Norris was a member of River City Cruisers Automobile Club. He restored a ‘48 Mercury, a ‘55 Thunderbird, and a ‘56 Ford Crown Victoria. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing and deer hunting. Mr. Norris was a member of the same deer camp for over 50 years. He was an Arkansas Razorbacks and Detroit Lions fan.

Mr. Norris was a friendly man who enjoyed life and never met a stranger. He could start a conversation with anyone he met. Mr. Norris was a devoted member of the Newark First Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Julia Ann Norris; one brother, Bobby L. Norris; one sister, Betty Baker; and his parents.

Mr. Norris is survived by his wife of 33 years, Juanita (Lynch) Norris; two sons, Kenneth Ray Norris and wife, Donna, of Carthage, Texas, and Stephen Lee Norris and wife, Kim, of Lake Havasau, Ariz.; one stepson, Phillip Baker of Batesville; one daughter, Belinda Gale Sarne of Houston, Texas; one stepdaughter, Missy Carlile and husband, Buddy, of Batesville; two brothers, Raymond Paul Norris of Wichita, Kan., and Jackie Norris of Oklahoma; two sisters, Madline Burns of Batesville, and Mildred Brewer of Newark; seven grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and a lifetime of friends.

Graveside services are 2 p.m. Friday at Blue Springs Cemetery, with Rev. John Mark Moore officiating. Honorary pallbearers are Harold Nix, Jim Brewer, Stan Brewer, Dr. Robert Walton, Bob Burns, Larry Magness, Steve Ryan, and Reed Weatherford.

Memorials may be made to Central Avenue United Methodist Church, 1205 North Central Avenue, Batesville, Ark. 72501, or the charity of your choice. Arrangements: Jackson’s Newark Funeral Home. www.jacksonsfh.com