Obituary of Norris E. Francis

Obituary Norris Earl Francis, Jr., the oldest of five children, was born on October 28, 1941 to Mabel Lee and Norris Francis, Sr. in Nansemond County, Virginia. He attended Hayden High School in Franklin, VA, where he was a model student-athlete. He lettered in three sports and was a stand-out quarterback for his high school football team. He earned an athletic scholarship to Elizabeth City State Teachers College in North Carolina (now Elizabeth City State University) to further his athletic prowess. At Elizabeth City State, he majored in Physical Education, graduating with High Honors. During his matriculation at ECSU, he served as the president of the Student Government Association and played in two sports, with his most notable role being quarterback for the football team. He was elected president of his freshman class, captain of the football team and later was inductued into the ECSU Sports Hall of Fame. As an active student leader, Norris led the Civil Rights Movement in Elizabeth City in 1963 and he, along with several other student leaders, was jailed for his participation in a sit-in at a lunch counter at a local restaurant. His activism extended to local store merchants and delivery services of products such as Coke, where he implemented the philosophy "selective buying until you hire people of color." During this life-changing civic activity, Norris had the distinct opportunity to meet and share views with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as Dr. King was promoting his philosophy of non-violent resistance. Subsequently, in 2012, Norris was interviewed by the Smithsonian for his reflections on the African-American struggle through the unique lens of a studentleader involved in this historic movement. Upon graduation from college in 1964, Norris began his career at Allstate Insurance Co. as a claims adjuster. Later, he was hired by the international conglomerate E. I. Du Pont de Nemours following an extensive interviewing and examination process which spanned multiple days. He became the first African-American to work in their world-renowned Films Division. During his stellar career at DuPont, he was sought after by other firms, and progressed steadily to key positions such as Regional Sales Manager, Vice President of Sales, and National Sales Manager, respectively. Before retiring in 2007, he established his own consulting firm and worked with Integrated Packaging Corporation (IPC), where he negotiated and secured an 80 million dollar per year contract for 5 years with Sara Lee Foods, the owner of Jimmy Dean and Ball Park Franks. He also ownedand operated various real estate properties in and outside of New York State. Continuing his passion for football and desire to support young people, Norris actively volunteered as a coach for the Malverne Mules, the locally-noted football team for Malverne High School located in Malverne, NY, from 1988 - 2007. Norris was also a man who loved the Lord. He was an active member and served as a deacon at the Memorial Presbyterian Church in Roosevelt, NY. He often led the Men's League Ministry Saturday Bible Study Session and taught Sunday School for the adult class. In recognition of his efforts in church ministries, Norris was named Man of the Year in 2008. In 2008 and 2011, Norris also received awards from his church for his commitment, dedication, and outstanding service. Norris was a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and proudly served as the 3rd president of the Eta Theta Lambda Chapter. Immediately after retirement in 2007 he served as a chaperone on the Alpha's highly successful College Tour, visiting fourteen of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Norris was just recently honored by his brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity for Community Service and for his role during the Civil Rights Movement. In addition to being an accomplished businessman and a role model in his community, Norris was a loving husband and a hero to his children. He was considered the Patriarch by his family. Norris was a man who served his Lord and church, loved his family and his fellow man. Norris was predeceased by his brother Ernest (Patricia F.). He leaves to cherish his memory, his devoted wife of 38 years, Patricia J., two daughters, Tamika Fagan and Kendria Francis, a son from a previous marriage, Norris Francis III, three grandchildren: Savion and Tiana Fagan, Tristan Hinckson; two brothers Will Francis (Patricia R.), and Ervin Francis (Carol); three sisters and one brother-in-law: Norine Edwards (Dwayne), Rita Francis, and Evelyn Griggs; mother-in-law Lucille Jones; sister-in-law Cynthia Riley; brother-in-law Arnold Riley (Judy), and many nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, and his extended family of friends far and near.