Lowell "Tommy" Thomas Norris

Lowell “Tommy” Thomas Norris, age 81, of 357 Betsy Circle, Todd, went to be with his Savior on Monday afternoon, June 8, 2026.

Tommy was born on March 31, 1945, in Watauga County, NC.  One of the cherished stories from childhood was how Tommy and his brother, Donnie, were always finding mischief wherever they went.  No matter what trouble they stirred up, they could often be found trying to pin the blame on their baby sister, Jeanne.  These playful antics became treasured family memories that brought laughter for years to come. Tommy proudly served his country during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged with the rank of Specialist Five.  Not only did he serve his country with honor, but he also faithfully served his Lord. He was a deacon at South Fork Baptist Church and a dedicated member of Howards Creek Baptist Church.   He retired from Hughes Net, where he worked with computers and satellite communications. After retirement, he devoted much of his time to the people he loved most- his family. You could find Tommy on the sidelines cheering on his grandchildren.  Whether it was basketball, football, baseball, volleyball, softball, or gymnastics, he was always there supporting them. When he wasn’t attending games in person, he always loved watching sports on the television with Debbie and his loyal basset hound, Mo.  Tommy had a deep love for the outdoors and was an avid fisherman, hunter, golfer, gardener, bird watcher, and amateur weatherman.  To his grandkids, however, he was simply “Papa”- the man who could do it all. He filled bicycle and four-wheeler tires, sewed stuffies, made whistles from wood and blades of grass and was known for making the best pancakes around.  He loved sharing stories from his childhood and treasured teaching his grandchildren how to fish, hunt, and shoot. He created memories that will be cherished for generations.

Tommy is survived by his wife of 20 years, Debbie Norris; his daughter, Stephanie Smith and husband Ryan of Asheboro; and his son, John Hollar, and wife, Brooke, of Todd. He is also survived by twelve grandchildren, Tera, Tyler, Brandon, Mason, Rayn, Izzie, Henry, Jase, Kaden, Jamison, Nora Jane, and Lucy; and one great grandson, Jameson.  In addition to many nieces and nephews he is also survived by his siblings; brother Donnie Norris and wife Lynda and sister Jeanne Norris and husband Ted. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leslie and Osa Norris; his first wife, Sherry Cline Norris; and his daughters, Sondra Southard and Christy Hollar.

Services for Tommy Norris will be held on June 14th 2026 in the sanctuary at Howards Creek Baptist Church, 240 Howards Creek Rd, Boone.  The family will receive friends beginning at 1:30 pm, with the funeral service to follow at 3:00 pm. Reverand Burl Greene, Reverand Mark Norris, and Reverand David Cooper will officiate.  A private family burial will follow at Howell Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests gifts be made in memory of Tommy to Debbie Norris for the “Tommy Norris Grandkids Fund.” Gifts can also be given at LifeStore Bank or Venmo- Deborah-Norris-54.

Online condolences may be made at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com

Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Norris family.

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