Norris Gabriel's Obituary
Norris Ray Gabriel, Sr., 91, passed away January 24, 2015. He was born February 1, 1923 in Memphis, TN to Edward and Bertha Gabriel. Norris attended Peabody Elementary School. He left school at age 15 to enlist in Battery B 115th Field Artillery in the United States Army, in service of which he was twice awarded the Bronze Star. Following the war, he graduated from Tech High School and Clemson University. Norris and his late wife, Earline, were charter members of Aldersgate United Methodist Church. He was a professional engineer, who designed many different Memphis buildings, including Aldersgate UMC and Summer Drive In Theater. He taught in the Herff College of Engineering at the University of Memphis. Norris was an enthusiastic University of Memphis supporter. He is survived his daughter, Nora Ann Perry (Richard); sons, Norris Gabriel, Jr., Bradley Gabriel (Linda), and Eugene Gabriel (Becky); nine grandchildren; three great-grandchildren and a host of loving nieces, nephews, and friends. Visitation will begin at 12 p.m. followed by funeral services at 1 p.m., Friday, January 30 at Aldersgate UMC. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to Aldersgate UMC or the American Macular Degeneration Foundation www.macular.org/how-donate.Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Ave. Memphis, TN 38119, “Behind the Stone Wall.”
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