Robert Paul Norris

Robert Paul Norris “Bob” passed away on November 16, 2016 at Kindred Nursing Facility in Maryville, TN at the age of 94. He is preceded by his first wife Marilyn Rickel and his second wife Gwen C. Zehnar. He leaves behind one son Mark Robert Norris and one grand-daughter and her spouse Kasey & Brandon Burkhart. His sister Ruth Miller, son, Craig Miller, and a niece Pam Miller Trinwith;4 step children and their spouses, Greg & Kandy Zehnar, Al Zehnar, Hilda Riepanhoff, Nancy & Doug Dixon; 8 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren. Bob was born July 29, 1922 to Virgil G. & Mary E. Norris in Mansfield OH. Bob always had a never give up attitude and after graduating from Mansfield Senior High in 1940, he went to work for one year at the Tappen Stove Factory, he then went on to Kent State University, where after one year he joined the US Army Medical Corps where he served his country for four years from 1942 – 1946. IN 1946 he took a job as a truck driver and returned to Kent State University. He completed his degree in business administration in September 1948. He married his first wife Marilyn in June 1947 and became father to his only child Mark in December 1954. Bob worked at several smaller companies as an accountant and manger, then in 1969 went to work for National Seating Company where he worked as Executive Vice President until his retirement in 1986. Bob re-married in 1985 to Gwen C. Zehnar after divorcing Marilyn in 1973. He was a loving and devoted husband until her death on January 22, 2015. During his lifetime he had many struggles and triumphs. He always applied his never give up, never quit attitude. He is dearly missed by those he leaves behind, and we look forward seeing him again in the great beyond. Family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 PM on Monday, November 21, 2016 at Smith Trinity Chapel. Private service will follow at 2:00 PM. Private interment will be at 3:00 PM, Monday, November 21, 2016 at Grandview Cemetery. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Robert Paul Norris please visit our Sympathy Store.