COURTESY OBIT

Pastor Ray L. Norris

February 18, 1947 - April 16, 2024

Retired Pastor Ray L. Norris, age 77, passed away on Monday, April 16, 2024 in Lincoln, Nebraska. He was born on February 18, 1947, in Superior, Nebraska to Ray E. and Barbara (Gates) Norris. Ray was a devout clergyman in the United Methodist Church and touched many lives during his years of ministry.

In his youth, Ray enjoyed spending time relaxing with his father and son along with countless friends. You could find him fishing, golfing, pheasant hunting or cruising around town. As a young man, he loved the time he spent as a radio DJ in his hometown of Superior, NE and had a real knack for auctioneering. When Ray received his calling to the ministry, most of his fulfillment was found in the mission work he was continuously orchestrating. Youth group mission trips, jail ministry, leading his devout followers on several trips to the Holy Land and working with the Salvation Army in disaster relief, to name just a few. Above all, Ray enjoyed making anyone he could, laugh. With true compassion and unmatched empathy for all of God's children, his ability to guide an individual's spirit and heart towards the love of the Lord was his ultimate gift. In the later years of his service, he found a true calling in funeral ministry. Helping lay to rest the loved ones of countless families. Above all, his message has always remained steadfast; The doors to the house of the Lord are to always remain open to any and every soul that desires to receive the all-encompassing love of Christ's embrace.

Ray is survived by his wife, Maggie Norris; daughters Michelle (Fred) Perez and Amanda 'Mandi' Norris; grandsons James Stacken, Justin McCurdy, and Jacob Norris; granddaughters Hope (Travis) Weis and Riley Burton; great-grandchildren Aiden and Carter Stacken; sister-in-law Kathy (Nick) Eberspacher; nephew Andrew Eberspacher; special family members Matt and Katie Burton; and many other loving family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Barbara Norris; son Brent Allen Norris; and grandparents Otis and Vida Norris.

Memorial Service will be held at 1:00pm on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at Lakeview United Methodist Church, 230 Capitol Beach Blvd. in Lincoln with Pastor Hollis Patterson officiating. A reception will be held after the memorial service. Inurnment will follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Seward, Nebraska.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given to the family for future designations.