Norris W. Wilson, Jr., 61, passed away on, July 14, 2011, at the VA Medical Center in Battle Creek, MI. Norris was born, October 4, 1949 to Norris Sr. “Mike” and Edith (Phares) Wilson in Battle Creek, MI. He graduated from Athens High School in 1967, after which he enlisted in the U.S. Army for three years and served as a Quartermaster in DaNang, Vietnam for 12 months. He worked for American Fire Pump for several years. He then was employed for 20 years with Ronnigen Research and Development. Norris moved back to Battle Creek, MI after his wife, Shirley became ill in 2004. He then spent 6 years at Denso Manufacturing before retiring in 2009.

On February 17, 1979 Norris married Shirley A. (Buys) Hallock. They moved to Fulton, MI where they rescued animals of all kinds, spent time creating wooden yard decorations and enjoyed the “country life”. Norris loved working on his models, cars, planes, boats and especially trains. He enjoyed muscle cars, NASCAR racing, bowling, photography and golf. He and Shirley also enjoyed time with friends at the “Club 27”, Eagles Lodge, and the PNA. Norris was a league bowler for several years at Spring Lake Lanes and Knottkes.

Norris is survived by his parents Norris Sr. and Edith Wilson of East Leroy; wife, Shirley; step-children, Denise (Robert) Williams, Pamela (Dwight) Mathis, James (Elizabeth) Hallock and Lori Corkins all of Battle Creek, MI; 12 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; siblings, Leona (Cor) Heykoop of St. Catharines Ontario, Canada, Evelyn (Tony) Miller of Climax, MI and David (Leslie) Wilson of Denver, CO, numerous nieces, nephews, his beloved “Pretty Girl” a German Shepard he and Shirley rescued several years ago. Norris was preceded in passing by a stepdaughter, Zena M. Richmond and several aunts and uncles.

Family will receive friends on Tuesday July 19, 2011 at 11:00AM with funeral services following at 1:00PM at the Baxter Funeral Service. Interment will take place at Fort Custer National Cemetery with Pastor Roger Abels officiating. Friends may send condolences or share a memory at baxterfuneral.com. Arrangements by the Baxter Funeral & Cremation Service. (269)788-9800

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