Dr. Samuel Gavin Norris, Jr. of Gadsden died peacefully Tuesday, December 14, 2021, surrounded by his beloved wife and his four children. Dr. Norris was born on March 19, 1938, in Monroe, NC to Samuel Gavin Norris, Sr. and Ruby Rowland Norris. He is predeceased by his parents, sister Peggy Norris Robinson, brother-in-law Carmer Robinson, brother John Rowland Norris, and his father and mother-in-law, James Howell Pruett and Elizabeth Daniel Pruett. He is survived by his wife of fifty-nine years, Leone Pruett Norris, daughter, Melissa Lee Norris (Gary), sons Samuel Gavin Norris III (Joan), Joseph Daniel Norris (Jessica), and Luke Pruett Norris. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters-in-law: James Daniel Pruett and Alice Berrey Pruett; Howell Vann Pruett and Becky Morgan Pruett; and Joyce Maki Pruett. Dr. Norris dearly loved his thirteen grandchildren: Megan Elizabeth Norris, Jacob Stuart Norris, Luke Charles Norris, John Carlos Norris, Olivia Witherspoon Norris, Samuel Mitchell Norris, James Pruett Norris, Ruby Miley Norris, Evan Elizabeth Carson, Benjamin Thompson Norris, Ozeio Logan Norris, Ever Orion Norris, and Hadden Adler Norris. He was a devoted uncle to ten nieces and nephews: Leslie, Greg, and Mike Robinson; Gavin and Patrick Norris; Greg and Mike Pruett; and Molly Pruett Henry, Sara Pruett Arey, and Anne Leone Pruett. Sam, as he was known to his family and friends, graduated from Gadsden High School in 1956 and from Auburn University in 1960. He was a 1966 graduate of the University of Alabama Dental School. After serving as a captain in the US Army at Fort Stewart, GA, Sam and his growing family returned to Gadsden where he practiced dentistry for 49 years. Sam was dedicated to his family and his patients. A man of firm convictions, he treated each of his patients fairly and with kindness no matter their circumstance. Sam provided leadership for his profession, church, and community. He was President of the Fifth District Dental Society and the Etowah County Cattlemen’s Association. He was a member of the Board of Directors of the Etowah County YMCA and the Board of Stewards of the First United Methodist Church. With no desire for recognition or accolades, he provided free dental care to people who were unable to afford it. Of his many hobbies, Sam particularly enjoyed woodworking. He made custom furniture for loved ones, including handcrafted Windsor chairs for each of his children. He was known by his family and close friends for his quick wit and dry sense of humor. He lived a rich and rewarding life and will be missed. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to First United Methodist Church of Gadsden, YMCA of the Coosa Valley, or the charity of your choice. A Celebration of Life will be Saturday, December 18, 2021, 3:00 p.m., First United Methodist Church Gadsden, 115 S 5th Street, Gadsden, AL 35901. Visitation will precede the service from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at the church Saturday.
