When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Harvey Ray Norris who was indeed a born manager. He will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. He was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with him throughout his life. Possessed with traditional "old school" morals, Harvey was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with Harvey knew him as a well-respected man who was a stable force in his community.

Harvey was born on May 29, 1925 at home in Milano, Texas. His parents were Edna and Jeff Norris. Harvey was raised in Milano, Chilton, and Lott, Texas. Even as a youngster, Harvey learned to be objective and decisive. His faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that he carried with him throughout his life.

As a young boy, Harvey was able to put his natural abilities to work. He was a bit like the sergeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren't supposed to. In other words, he liked to organize and direct. Harvey was raised with 2 siblings. He had one sister, Ruby and one brother, J. D. Harvey had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For Harvey, this was a natural order of life, one he gladly embraced.

Harvey's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during his childhood. As a young boy, Harvey enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. Harvey took part in basketball. In his spare time he liked to hunt and fish. Harvey's memorable achievements included reciting poetry and singing to guests who visited his home and participating in school plays.

In school, Harvey was as close to being a model student as one could possibly imagine. He sought to achieve perfect attendance in all of his classes. He would eagerly complete his homework, and often put in extra study time when he felt it was necessary. A logical and focused thinker, Harvey was always good at following directions and meeting his schedules, whether they were set by his teachers or were self-imposed. Harvey's personal motto could well have been, "Do it right the first time.' He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers.

An objective and conscientious individual, Harvey reveled in the security of his family. One of Harvey's most endearing qualities was his uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and his unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for his family and friends.

Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Harvey was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. He was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, Harvey was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. He worked cooperatively and expected the same from his colleagues. In both his personal and professional environments, Harvey upheld his standards. His primary occupation was banking and publishing and directed Region 6 of Vista and Head Start Program for eleven states. He was employed as the emcee of the Hallettsville Fiddlers' Frolics for 38 years as well as working as master of ceremony for numerous other music venues. Harvey was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of "give me a job, and I will get it done."

Harvey was a medic in the Army. His sense of duty helped lead him into the military where his understanding of rank, his willingness to abide by rules and regulations and his desire to follow orders was admired by his fellow service men and women. He was on a hospital ship in the Pacific. Harvey saw action for World War II. Through his hard work and dedication, he achieved the rank of medical technician. He received several awards recognizing him for his heroism, including The Good Conduct Medal, The European African Middle Eastern Service Medal, the American Theatre Service Medal, The Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, and The Victory Medal.

Harvey approached his leisure time in the same manner that he approached his life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, he appreciated the hours he was able to devote to his various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were fishing, hunting, writing poetry, singing and playing country and gospel music on his guitar, telling jokes and tall tales. Harvey was always willing to share his interests with others.

A civic-minded person, Harvey was usually ready to jump in and help with community activities. He was the type of person who could masterfully organize events and projects and then see to it that they were run in an efficient and timely manner. Harvey was a member of several community groups, including participating in the Rotary Club, Lions' Club, and Marlin Mens' Civic Association. During these years, Harvey applied his analytical intellect to problem solving and so was an asset on most committees.

Faith was important to Harvey. He held high moral standards and was worried about the moral decay he saw around him. For that reason he held deep spiritual beliefs that he was willing to share. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Marlin. During that time, he was active in the Senior Lamp Lighters organization and participated in various church committees.

As someone who placed a high value on showing gratitude, Harvey could graciously accept a "thank you" extended to him by those he helped. However, individual recognition wasn't a motivating force for Harvey; rather, when he saw that there was a need to get something done, he was more than willing to give his time and energy in order to see it accomplished. Some of his most prestigious awards included being inducted into the Fiddlers' Frolics Hall of Fame in Hallettesville, Texas;.

When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Harvey used his scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. That also meant that he made certain no single person was overworked in putting the trip together. Harvey had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. Favorite vacations included traveling in his RV to Colorado, New Mexico, South Dakota, South Carolina, and Mexico.

When Harvey's retirement finally arrived in 1990, he was well prepared. He used his critical evaluation skills to make sure that every detail had been preplanned and attended to. In retirement, he and Jacque traveled in their RV all over the United States as well as continuing to do all the things they loved. In many ways, Harvey loved retirement. It provided him with the opportunity to catch up with his friends, attend functions and group outings, and tackle new interesting activities.

Harvey passed away on April 1, 2015 at Marlin, Texas. He is survived by his loving wife Jacquelyn Norris, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Services were held at First Baptist Church Marlin Texas. Harvey was laid to rest in Clover Hill Cemetery in Lott, Texas.

All who knew him would agree that Harvey was a pillar of the community. He lived his life with his feet firmly on the ground. He had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in his thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. He was willing to share his ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Harvey Ray Norris did his best to ensure that his family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life he touched was given the chance to become a better person.

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Harvey Ray Norris, 89, of Marlin, passed away Wednesday, April 1, 2015 in a local hospital. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, April 6, 2015 at the First Baptist Church in Marlin with the Reverend Mark Newton officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until service time on Monday at the church. Burial will take place at a later date.Mr. Norris was born on May 29, 1925 in Milano, Texas to Jeff David and Edna Mae (Davenport) Norris. He served his country in WW II in the United States Army. Mr. Norris married Jacquelyn Ewell on November 21, 1967 in Kansas City, Missouri and they celebrated over 47 wonderful years together. He worked in the banking Industry for several years, ran his own publishing company and originated, staffed and directed Region VI of the Vista and Head Start Program executing all logistics for eleven states. Mr. Norris loved to fish, hunt and sing and play his guitar; he and his wife often entertained in nursing homes. He was a former member of the Marlin's Men's Civic Association, Lion's Club, Rotary Club and was inducted into the Texas Fiddlers Hall of Fame; he emceed the Fiddlers Frolics in Hallettsville, Texas for over 30 years. Mr. Norris was an active member of the First Baptist Church where he served on several committees and helped with numerous functions. He was a very loving husband, father and grandfather. Mr. Norris was preceded in death by his parents, a brother and a sister.Survivors include his wife; Jacquelyn Norris, sons; Harvey Wayne Norris and his wife, Debbie and Mike Honea and his wife, Susan, grandchildren; Jeff Norris and his fiancé, Sharon Dell, Allison Becker and her husband, Danny and Zachary Honea and his wife, Deidre and great grandchildren; Freyja Becker and Theodore Honea.The family would like to give a special thanks to Jan Smith and the staff at Golden Years and to Dr. David Fedro and his loving staff for their great care and love shown to Mr. Norris.