David Melville Norris, 83, passed away peacefully at home in Mobile, Alabama on January 7, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on November 26, 1942, in Oneonta, New York, David grew up in Oneonta and nearby Cooperstown, places that shaped his lifelong love of nature, hard work, and close-knit community.
David attended Syracuse University, where he rowed varsity crew and helped lead the four-man boat to the National Championship in 1963 and a second-place finish at the 1964 Olympic Trials. He earned both a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and a Bachelor of Science degree from the New York State College of Forestry at Syracuse.
In 1966, David entered the United States Navy and was commissioned as an Ensign after Officer Candidate School. He served during the Vietnam War as a submarine officer, beginning a lifelong commitment to service. After active duty, David built a successful career in the paper industry while continuing to serve in the Navy Reserves. Over twenty-eight years with Scott Paper Company in New York and Alabama, followed by two years in Washington State, he rose to Vice President of Western Operations. His Reserve career included commanding units throughout the Gulf Coast, and after his corporate retirement, he was recalled to active duty to serve as Commanding Officer of Naval Reserve Readiness Command 22 (REDCOM 22), retiring from the Navy in 1997.
David was deeply committed to service beyond his professional life. He served in leadership positions with the Mobile YMCA and the Mobile Botanical Gardens, helping strengthen and beautify the community he and Carol made their home. Away from work and service, he found joy in gardening, traveling, and spending time with his family and close friends.
David was preceded in death by his parents, John Melville William Norris and Amy Quinlan Norris; his sisters, Kathleen Norris Knafelz and Margery Norris Armstrong; and his brother, Edward Norris.
He leaves behind his beloved wife of sixty-one years, Carol Reeves Norris; his daughter, Cassandra “Cassie” Norris and her husband, Michael Healy of Jacksonville, Florida; his son, Matthew Norris and his wife, Jennifer of Fort Worth, Texas; his sister-in-law, Jana Norris; and several nieces and nephews who held a special place in his heart.
A committal service honoring David’s life will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. (CST) at the Alabama State Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spanish Fort, Alabama, with full military honors.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites those who wish to honor David’s memory to make a donation or volunteer their time with a charity or cause that is meaningful to them.
Expressions of condolence may be made at www.hughesfh.com. Hughes Funeral Home and Crematory in Daphne, Alabama is assisting the family.
I’m sorry for this family’s tremendous loss. The longevity of this man’s career, marriage and volunteer work was a true testament in sharing with his family.
I am so sorry for your loss. Losing a husband and father is heartbreaking, and I hope you and your family find comfort in one another and in the memories you shared.
Psalm 34:18
My Condolences to you Mrs. Norris and to your family, at this time of Loss. My sincere thoughts and prayers up for you all…
Dear Carol Norris and Family: I am so sorry for your loss of your David,
Husband and Father. My husband, Bob Farrell was a good friend of David’s through the US Navy Reserve in Mobile. My Bob is deceased so he is probably swapping stories in Heaven already. Many prayers for you All.
Very sorry for your loss Carol. Our thoughts and prayers for you and your family.
Dave had a positive contribution in everything he did. He cared about Scott Paper and the people that worked for him.
This was especially significant in our last 3 years in Mobile and Everett!
Carol, I’m so sorry for your loss. Dave was an extraordinary officer in the Navy Reserve and was my good friend and mentor during the time we served together in Washington state, and for the many years since. Terry and I send our very sincere condolences, You and your family will be in our prayers.
Cassie, I’m sorry for your loss. Your father was a remarkable man and no doubt set the example you carry forward in your life.
Cassie and family, please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of Mr. Norris. Although I did not have the privilege of knowing him personally, the remembrance shared here reflects a life rooted in service, leadership, and steady care for others. I understand these past months have been especially difficult, and my heart is with you all during this time. May you find comfort in the love that surrounds you and in the remarkable legacy Mr. Norris leaves behind.
I am very sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. He was a fixture at the Downtown YMCA and always had a friendly word for everyone he met. Fair winds and following seas friend.
So long my friend.