Mr. Martin “Marty” Eugene Norris, 63, of Morganton, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on Thursday, January 26, 2023 at Carolina Caring of Newton, following a period of declining health.

Marty was born on July 11, 1959 in Logan, WV to the late Franklin D. Norris and June K. Norris. He was a graduate of Watauga High School in 1977, with an emphasis on drafting skills and art.  He completed college preparatory math and science courses, where he graduated in the top 15% scholastically in the nation. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1980, where he served for four years and was responsible for drawing and maintaining blueprints of related structures on base, including; buildings, runways, equipment, as-builts, land surveys, roads and topography maps.  Marty earned his Associates of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Caldwell Community College in May of 2000. He was employed with Corning Optical Communications in Hickory, NC, where he began as a mechanical designer and drafter in march 2001, working on automation equipment and product development where he held numerous product design patents.  In 2012 he joined the Additive Manufacturing (3D print) Lab, where he produced engineering samples and ensured the proper function of machinery.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Clifford and Bessie Norris, and maternal grandparents, Ted and Elizabeth Knipl, an aunt and uncle, Marie and Ralph Greer, as well as his beloved companion Gizmo.

Marty had a kind and easy-going demeanor. He was of the Baptist Faith, loved the Lord, and gave selflessly of his time and talent in all areas. Up until his declining health he was a  member of Central Baptist Church in Lenoir, NC, where he served as a senior sound technician and in other areas as needed. He enjoyed gardening with a spotlight on roses, as well as sports cars, outdoor activities, and watching action & adventure and science fiction movies.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife and love of his life of 26 years, Lisa Jones Norris of the home, his brother, Marcus B. Norris and wife Erin of Humble, TX, his nieces, nephews, and cousins as well as his fur babies, Daisy, Lilly, and Molly, and numerous friends. The family would like to acknowledge and express their deepest gratitude to the staff of Carolina Caring for their compassionate care and love shown Marty and his family.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, January 29, 2023 at 3:00 P.M. in the Chapel of Heritage Funeral Service, with Rev. Doug Cox and Rev. John Jernigan officiating. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery in Valdese.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, from 2:00 until 3:00 P.M. at Heritage Funeral Service in Valdese.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Carolina Caring Hospice, 3975 Robinson Rd., Newton, NC 28658.