Norris Penson, 74

Norris Penson
December 9, 1946 to March 8, 2021
Norris Penson, 74 of Bostic, passed away March 8, 2021.  Born December 9, 1946, he was the last living child of the late Jay and Emma Penson.
In addition to his parents, Norris is preceded in death by his brothers: Jack, Bob, David, Tommy, Charlie, and Mickey Penson; and sisters Helen Guyton, Betty Smith, Sue Wright; and special niece Texanne Smith Jolley who was raised as a sister. Norris enjoyed sports. As a child and adult, he enjoyed playing various sports including baseball, softball, golf, fishing, and playing cards. He enjoyed his friends at the Moose Lodge and VFW, and loved sitting at his camper at the lake.  He enjoyed car races and loved old cars.  Norris also enjoyed watching car and tractor auctions on tv and collecting knives. In his youth, Norris picked cotton and spent many years working with cars in the trim shop.  He was drafted into the United States Army, where he served his country during the Vietnam War.  After the war, Norris returned home and spent years working as a truck driver and in the used car business with Waters Used Cars,  and later worked for Pittman Well Boring. Norris respected his time in the military, respected those who choose to serve, and was a proud American.
He was a loving husband, father, and “Pappy”.  Norris is survived by his wife of 53 years, Diane Melton Penson; their son, Sonny Penson and wife Crystal; daughter Amanda Penson Freeman and husband Benson; grandchildren Jacob Penson, Emma Penson, Creed Freeman, and Ranger Freeman; 18 nieces and nephews and multiple neighbors and friends whom he loved.
A Memorial Service will be conducted at 10:00 AM Friday, March 12, 2021 at Cedar Grove Fellowship, 260 Toney Road, Bostic. The Rev. Adam Velez will officiate. The Rutherford County Honor Guard will provide Military Rites on the grounds of the church following the service. Honorary pallbearers are Jacob Penson, Creed Freeman, Ranger Freeman, Richard Smith, Joel Penson, Todd Smith, Greg Penson, and Bobby Penson.
The Visitation will be from 4 pm until 7 pm Thursday at Washburn & Dorsey Funeral and Cremation Service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Rutherford County Honor Guard, 564 Terry Road, Ellenboro, NC 28040 or Rutherford Life Services, 230 Fairground Road, Spindale, NC 28160.
Online condolences @www.washburndorsey.com.