William Max Norris 1921-2014

William Max Norris, 92, of Lebanon, passed away March 4, 2014 at his daughter’s residence.  Born Nov.18, 1921 to the now late Vernon and Agnes Snow (Caldwell) Norris, Max was raised in Thorntown and graduated from Thorntown High School. He served in the Army during World War II as a 1st Sergeant. He married Peggy June (Maple) Norris on Nov. 5, 1944. She survives.

Max and Peggy moved to Sheridan shortly after they were married. Max worked as the manager of McCain’s IGA for 25 years. He was a member of the Sheridan Methodist Church and finance head for 25 years. Max was also a Cub Scout den leader, Head of United Way and Head of Merchants Assoc. He and his family then moved to Jamestown in 1969, where he purchased the Jamestown IGA. He was a member of the Jamestown United Methodist Church and Head of stewardship. He was also a member of the Jamestown Chamber of Commerce.

Max received many honors through the years including a story in the Indianapolis Star titled “A Grocer Gives Back” and two national articles on his accomplishments as an independent retailer/community philanthropy: “The Grocery Trader” and “Grocergram.” He was also honored by Ted Wetterau, president of IGA, National IGA Assoc. at McCormick’s Center in Chicago as one of four national recipients for overall accomplishments as an independent grocer. He was noted for “cooking shows” held each year in Boone County with donations given to Western Boone and Tri-West Schools. He received the Sheridan Merchants Association Award for outstanding community contributions. He organized and raised funds to secure the first town Christmas decorations in both Sheridan and Jamestown.  Once told while serving as a store manager… “You spend more time out in the streets than you do in my store.” Max stated: He was so naive, he didn’t understand that’s why the store thrived — no one can put a price on goodwill — Max Norris.

Upon his retirement, Max and Peggy moved to Lebanon. He was a member of Centenary United Methodist Church. Max enjoyed being around people, listening to music and being with family. He and Peggy celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary in 2013. He is survived by his wife, Peggy and three children: Steven M. Norris of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., William J. “Bill” Norris of Brownstown, and Suzan K. Norris of Lebanon; five grandchildren: Steven Norris of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., Lisa Norris of West Palm Beach, Fla., Jill Norris of Brownstown, Kristyn Norris of Lebanon, and David Norris of Lebanon, and six great-grandchildren. Max was preceded in death by his brothers Gene Norris and Harry Norris.

Family and friends will gather on Friday, March 7, from 1 p.m. until time of services at 4 p.m. in the Strawmyer & Drury Mortuary, 2400 N. Lebanon Street, Lebanon. Memorial contributions in Max’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org. Online condolences may be made at www.strawmyerdrury.com.