Michael Norris

It is with both heavy hearts and joyful memories that we announce the passing of Michael Walton Norris, who left this world peacefully on September 3, 2025, at the age of 55. Born on January 24, 1970, in Eastland, TX, Michael lived a life full of passion, creativity, and love.

Michael was the proud valedictorian of the Carbon High School Class of 1988 and pursued his dream of becoming a graphic designer, making a significant impact in the computer industry. He wore many hats throughout his life, including that of a dedicated owner, publisher, and editor of the Eastland County Line Newspaper, where he shared his love for community and storytelling.

On September 11, 1993, he married the love of his life, Bobbie Ruth Presley, in Cordele, GA. Their bond was unwavering, and Michael devoted himself to caring for Ruthie during her illness until her passing in 2016.

An adventurous spirit, Michael obtained his private pilot's license and found joy in flying RC airplanes. He loved the outdoors, relishing in kayaking, fishing, and boating of any kind. Michael was also a proud patriot, who celebrated his love for America in all facets of his life. His cherished grandsons, Mitchell and Merrick Hamilton, brought him immense joy, and he could always be found cheering them on at their sporting events. Michael was affectionately known as "Jeepie" among family and friends, reflecting his love for Jeeps and all adventure.

Michael had a gift for forming lifelong friendships. In 5th grade at Carbon Middle School, a trio was born-Michael, his cousin Kyle Bryant, and Rick Rackow-who quickly became inseparable. From that point through early adulthood, if you saw one, the other two were never far behind. Among their many adventures, one story still stands out (that they will admit too): in the spring of 1988, Michael (dangling upside down from a third-story window with Rick holding his legs) spray-painted "Sr. 88" on the school wall. Neither could ever recall whose idea it was, just that they got caught. That bond, rooted in youth and adventure, has endured a lifetime.

Michael was also an avid PC gamer, and it was he who first introduced multiplayer gaming to the "trio"-and even to his dad. Many weekends and summer nights were spent crowded around two linked Radio Shack computers from the 1980s, locked in pixelated dogfights with P-51 fighter planes. His passion for gaming never faded. Over the years, through countless titles, he built an even larger circle of friends, all of whom knew him as "DurFea," his beloved gaming avatar. They will miss his humor, his presence, and his friendship, and they bid him a heartfelt farewell with the words only fitting for him: "One last Durf Nap, our friend."

Michael is survived by his beloved daughter Sherrie Hamilton and her husband John of Eastland, as well as his parents, Danny and Linda Norris of Carbon, and his brother Macon Norris and his wife Dara of Eastland. He is also survived by his brother-in-law Clint Payne of Rockwell City, IA, and numerous nieces and nephews who will carry his spirit forward.

He reunited with his beloved wife, Ruthie, in heaven and is preceded in death by his sister Monica Payne, paternal grandparents Truett and Ruby Norris, and maternal grandmother Ethel Elam.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home in Eastland, TX.