Ray L. Norris

Retired Pastor Ray L. Norris, age 77, died Monday, April 16, 2024, in Lincoln, Nebraska. He was born on Feb. 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 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 enjoyed the time he spent as a radio DJ in his hometown of Superior, 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 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 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 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.

His funeral was held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at Lakeview United Methodist Church in Lincoln with Pastor Hollis Patterson officiating. A reception was held after the service. Inurnment followed at Greenwood Cemetery in Seward, Nebraska.