Michael Ray Norris, Sr.

Michael Ray Norris, Sr., 70, of Beaumont, died Monday, December 18, 2023, at his home. He was born on January 12, 1953, to Joyce Dauriac Norris and Cecil Norris, Sr., in Beaumont. Mike retired from the US Postal Service maintenance department after 41 years of service.

Mike was a loving father, grandpa, and brother. He loved spending time with his family and friends. His biggest joy was his granddaughter, Elisa. Every Wednesday evening was “grandpa day”. Rachel and Elisa would come to grandpas to play games and draw. She always left an “I love you Grandpa!” message on the marker board which he displayed with pride to all who entered. On Wednesday mornings, he and brothers, Cecil and John, had a standing breakfast date, always at a different venue across Southeast Texas, where nothing was ever resolved.

Mike’s greatest pleasures in life were sports, woodworking, and playing video games. Playing and watching golf was his sport of choice, followed closely by all aspects of baseball and softball. He was an exceptional ballplayer, beginning his journey in Little League and advancing up to earning a scholarship to play for the Lamar Cardinals baseball program. He also later played on multiple softball teams at the Beaumont Municipal Athletic Complex. With his sports knowledge he acquired through the years and his sense of fair play, Mike was highly sought out to fill the responsible positions of umpire, coach, mentor, in addition to officiating high school football games. He liked to hunt with his family. From West Texas, including Luckenbach and Fredericksburg, he progressed to Pagosa Springs and Gunnison, Colorado; Jackson Hole, Wyoming; and Dixie, Idaho, in pursuit of larger game. His hunting claim to fame was bagging on Imperial (7×7) bull elk in Colorado.

Woodworking was another passion of his. He loved a challenge and used his creative talents to remodel his home. His kitchen cabinets were his proudest accomplishment. Family and friends also loved to receive his works of art. Mike had an outgoing personality and loved meeting people. It was often commented that he had the ability to make friends wherever he went. Everyone who knew Mike, loved him.

Survivors include his children, Rachel Aguilar and her husband, Nathan Aguilar, and Michael Norris, Jr. and his girlfriend, Daniela Rodriguez; granddaughter, Elisa Marie Aguilar; friend and mother of his children, Michelle Norris; and siblings, Cecil Norris, Jr. and his wife, Karen; Debbie Lou Norris; and Larry John Norris, Sr. and his wife, Debbie Lynn, all of Beaumont; Aunt Opal Chadwell; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

A gathering of Mr. Norris’ family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Thursday, December 21, 2023, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. His funeral service will be 10:00 a.m., Friday, December 22, 2023, at Broussard’s, with his interment to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Beaumont.