Hollis Michael Norris

Mr. Hollis Michael Norris, 72, of Branford, Fl., passed away on Thursday, November 23, 2017 at the VA Hospital in Lake City following an extended illness.

Born November 3, 1945 in Lake City, Fl., to the late Carl Arthur Norris, Sr., and Unie Mae Coates. Mr. Norris enlisted in the Navy and served faithfully and honorably in Vietnam as a Warfare Specialist. He supported and maintained the aircraft of UH-1 gunships and OV-10 Black Ponies.Mr. Norris was a member of the Hal-3 Seawolf Association, formed in June, 2008. This fraternal organization was formed to perpetuate the name of the Elite United States Naval Force designated helicopter attack (light) squadron three gunship unit known as the Seawolves. Hal-3 was the first and only armed Naval Aviation in history that flew the Bell UH-1B. A movie is in the making of the special unit, to be released within the next couple of years on 
PBS, known as The Scrambling Seawolves. After his time in the military he also worked in the construction union where he built HCA Hospitals, then became a correctional officer for the Florida Department of Corrections working at RMC in Lake Butler and retired with 28 years. He loved the river life, living at their home on the Santa Fe river, floating, fishing and spending time with his family. Mr. Norris was an avid FSU fan and enjoyed going to football games. He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother Carl Norris,Jr.

Survivors include his loving wife of 35 years; Iris Juanita Norris, four sons; Marc Law (Kelly), Anthony Norris (Tony), Richard “Ricky” Norris (Jackie), Charles “Charlie” Norris (Candice), daughter; Tonya Law Besaw (Robert), brother; David C. Norris (Nancy), sister in law; Linda Norris, 14 grandchildren, and 8.5 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews also survive

Funeral services for Mr. Norris will be conducted at 3:00 pm on Saturday, November, 25, 2017 in the chapel of Gateway-Forest Lawn Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Dusty Bailey officiating. Visitation with the family and friends will be 30 min hour prior (2:30-3:00pm) to the service at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to the Lake City VA Hospice. Arrangements are under the direction of GATEWAY-FOREST LAWN FUNERAL HOME, 3596 S Us Hwy 441, Lake City, Florida 32025. Please leave words of love and comfort for the family at www.gatewayforstlawn.com

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