Norris Lee Hoyt's Obituary
GROOM SERVICES- 2:00 pm Sunday, January 20, 2013 in the First United Methodist Church in Groom with Rev. Todd Dyess and Ken Haney, officiating. INTERMENT- Groom Cemetery in Groom. Arrangements are by Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon. Viewing will be available prior to the service beginning at 1:00 pm. Norris was born on November 17, 1922 to Carl and Lillian Hoyt at Odell, Texas. They moved to Groom when he was two. Most of his life was spent in and around Groom, a community he loved, with minor absences when his family followed work elsewhere or he stretched his wings as a young adult. He attended Groom School. Norris served his country with honor during World War II. He was an soldier in the US Army in the 351 Infantry, 88th Division of the “Blue Devils”. He served in North Africa and Italy. He was highly decorated earning the Bronze Star, Combat Infantry Badge, European Theater Badge and Good Conduct medal. He was inducted into the Panhandle Veterans Hall of Fame in 2010. When his time in the service was completed. He returned home, working where ever he could. Having learned to cook in the army and he operated several restaurants in the area including Gaithrights of Amarillo and the Western Bowl Restaurant. He married Allie in 1961. They soon returned to Groom were he went to work for Producers Utilities Company. He retired in 1988 and took on the roll of the local handyman. He spent his days spoiling his grandchildren, and indulging his wife, Allie. Material things were unimportant to him. Norris was the kind of man who commanded respect, but know how to have a good time. He and his wife Allie, welcomed people into their lives and treated all like family, kin or not. Many children called him, “PaPa” Above all things he loved his family and his friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Allie; his son, Jim Burton; his brother James Hoyt and his parents. He is survived by his daughter, Donna Burton of Groom; 2 brothers Herbert Hoyt of Sacramento, CA and Leonard Hoyt of Amarillo; grandchildren Melody and David Miller of Kuna, Id; and April and Brandon Jones of Amarillo, Texas; his great grandchildren Jerome and Cedar Miller of Kuna, ID and Taylor James Jones of Amarillo. The family suggest memorials to the United Methodist Church of Groom, PO Box 489, Groom, Texas 79039; The City Park Playground Equipment Fund c/o The City of Groom, PO Box 217, Groom, Texas 79039.
What’s your fondest memory of Norris?
What’s a lesson you learned from Norris?
Share a story where Norris' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Norris you’ll never forget.
How did Norris make you smile?