Robert "Bob" Raymond Norris, Sr.

September 2, 1936 – April 30, 2025 Surrounded by loving family and friends, Robert "Bob" Raymond Norris, Sr. passed peacefully at his home in Hardee County at the age of 88.

Born on September 2, 1936, in Lily, Florida, Bob learned early the twin virtues of hard work and neighborly kindness from his parents, James Benjamin and Mamie Loraine (Davis) Norris. He carried those lessons onto the courts and fields of Hardee High School—lettering in basketball, football, and baseball—and later into every corner of his life.

Bob's time at the University of Florida was brief but pivotal: he returned home to marry his high-school sweetheart, Sara "Sally" Stringer Norris. They grew a family together that eventually spanned grandchildren, great-children, and a great great grandchild, almost too many to count!

For 65 years, Bob coaxed oranges and grapefruit from the sandy soil of Glades, Okeechobee, Charlotte, Manatee, Desoto, Polk and finally Hardee counties, first as co-owner of Norris Brothers Farms, Inc. and later Robert R. Norris, Inc. Quiet gifts flowed from the harvest: a check slipped to a neighbor after a bad season, sponsoring various kids clubs, generous donations to those who needed it. He never asked for recognition; the glow of a community made stronger was meaningful enough. He served as a former deacon at Faith Presbyterian Church of Wauchula and supported many local organizations through quiet acts of generosity.

When he wasn't in the groves, Bob could be found under Friday-night lights, cheering on Wildcat football. He was a Gator through and through—though he'd holler "Go 'Noles!" when any of his granddaughters wore garnet and gold.

After Sally's passing, Bob found late-life companionship with Mitzi Grice, proof that love can bloom even after great loss. In quieter moments, he read and watched westerns, tossed a tennis ball to his little dog Buddy, and relished rounds of golf where he could enjoy time to himself. Bob took to heart John Wayne's rule to "talk low, talk slow, and don't say too much". He was a man of few words, mostly.

Bob was preceded in death by Sally; their son Robert R. Norris, Jr. (Donna); his parents; his sister Gwendolyn Walters; and his brothers Duane and Allen Norris.

He is survived by his son Benjamin Norris and wife Robyn; daughter Mary Nunez (Meg) and husband Tim; siblings Linda Chaudoin, James Norris, and Gordon Norris (Phyllis); ten grandchildren—Nina Hand (Mike), SFC Robert Nunez (Francesca), Stephen Norris (Lindsay), Chris Norris, Courtney Kahn (Daniel), Philip Nunez (Rachel), Kara Devore (Clark), Samuel Nunez (Abby), Elizabeth Huddlestun (Josh), and Garrett Norris.

Bob also delighted in his fifteen great-grandchildren: McKenzie Bradford, Layton Bradford, Clayton Bradford, Haylee Norris, Raymond Norris, Eloise Kahn, Olivia Kahn, Charlie Devore, Ariana Nunez, Alex Nunez, Christian Nunez, Gabriel Nunez, Mable Nunez, Daniel Nunez, and Sophia Nunez.

He was deeply grateful for the steady friendship and support of Linda Boone, his loyal secretary of 48 years, and Laura Nico, who became a valued part of his life in his later years.

A service celebrating Bob's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. with the viewing one hour prior to the service on Thursday, May 8, 2025 at First Methodist Church, 207 N. 7th Avenue, Wauchula, Florida. Internment will follow at the Wauchula Cemetery, 1140 US-17, Wauchula, Florida.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to First Methodist Church Wauchula or the Hardee Athletic Foundation continuing Bob's legacy of quiet generosity.

To walk beneath a Hardee County sunrise is to remember him—the smell of orange blossoms, and the sure knowledge that hard work done with love nourishes and leaves quite the legacy.

We were so blessed to call him ours.

Online condolences can be made at www.pongerkaysgrady.com

Ponger-Kays-Grady Funeral Homes and Cremation Services have been entrusted with the arrangements.