Eddie was born in Columbus, Georgia on February 4, 1940, the second child to the late Jeanne Freeman Norris and James Edward Norris, and the little brother to Patton “Pat” Norris Walters. He was raised in Columbus, where he was a member of Saint Paul United Methodist Church, and a student at Wynnton Elementary School, where he met his future wife, Virginia Ann Williams. After graduating from Columbus High School, he went on to attend Emory University where he studied business and was a member of the Kappa Alpha fraternity.
In 1960, Eddie married Ann, and they went on to have three children, Eddie, Tracy and Charlton. After graduating from Emory in 1962, Eddie began his lifelong career in banking with Columbus Bank and Trust (aka Synovus Bank). Eddie continued working for the bank, and in 1982, he was promoted to President and CEO of First State Bank & Trust in Valdosta, Georgia, an affiliate of Synovus. He and Ann thoroughly enjoyed their time living in Valdosta, making many lifelong friends, and becoming involved in the community. On December 31, 1999, Eddie retired from the company he served for 36 years, and he and Ann returned to Columbus.
While banking was Eddie’s profession, art was his passion. Eddie showed an early aptitude for art, gaining his mother’s attention, at six years old, when she discovered his drawings on the bedroom walls. Rather than punish Eddie, Jeanne noticed he had a natural artistic talent, and signed him up for lessons with local artist (and father of Gloria Mani), Toni Mani. Thus began a lifelong involvement in the arts. Eddie was an accomplished wildlife artist, working in watercolors, acrylics and oils. His paintings reflect subjects he loved, including hunting, fishing, country life in the Southeast, traveling the world with Ann, and occasionally, the people he loved. Eddie’s art gained attention outside of Columbus and Valdosta, and his paintings are hung on walls throughout the country. In 1999, the Georgia Citizens for the Arts named Eddie Georgia’s Artist of the Year. His painting, Fall Feathers In South Georgia, was given to Governor Roy Barnes to hang in the permanent collection in the Governor’s mansion. Upon his retirement, Eddie was able to put more time and focus into his art. He studied under many nationally known American artists, such as Claude Croney, Carlton Plummer, Serge Hollerbach, William B. Lawrence, Al Stine and Robert K. Abbett.
Eddie’s love of arts extended to supporting many new and upcoming artists. When he first moved to Valdosta in 1982, Eddie noticed there was a need locally for showcasing, supporting and appreciating the talented artists; thereafter, he began Valdosta’s Spring into Art exhibit which continues to this day, and features artists throughout the country. His mentoring also extended to his grandchildren, who all cherished their special art lessons with “Papa.”
While Eddie enjoyed painting, hunting, fishing, and traveling, he was most at home on his farm in Crawford, Alabama, surrounded by his family. He is survived by Ann, his beloved wife of 63 years, and his children, James Edward Norris, III (Kerry), Tracy Norris Dean (Al), and Charlton Williams Norris (Amy). He also leaves behind seven grandchildren: James Edward Norris, IV (Mary Margaret), Wesley Shirley Ailsworth (Scott), Andrew Reeves Norris (Adelyn), Hugh Freeman Norris, James Paul Ferguson, III, Grant Russell Norris, Charlton Humes Norris, and Kylee Jade Norris, along with his great grandchildren Virginia Ruth Norris and James Edward Norris, V.
A celebration of life will be held at St. Paul United Methodist Church on Monday, September 11 at 11:00am.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St Paul UMC, or to Columbus Hospice.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.shcolumbus.com for the Norris family.
