Dwight Reuel Norris, Ph.D.

Posted on November 18, 2020

Dwight Reuel Norris, Ph.D., transitioned from his earthly life to his eternal life on Nov. 13, 2020.

His devotion to his family and his firm belief in God sustained him in his struggle with Lewy Body with Parkinson’s dementia and ultimately offered him peace.

He is survived by: his loving wife of 56 years, Sylvia Jeffords Norris, and their daughters, Karen Norris McCauley and her husband, Tom, of Auburn, Ala., and Carmen Norris Jordan and her husband, Matt, of Auburn, Ala.

He took extreme pride in his seven grandchildren, 2nd Lieutenant Thomas McCauley, Jackson McCauley, Dwight McCauley, Joseph McCauley, Caroline Jordan, Harris Jordan and Maggie Jordan.

He is also survived by his brother, Mark Norris and his wife Debra; and sisters-in-law, Melinda Norris and Pam Archer. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Raymond Jeffords and his wife Helen; sisters-in-law, Rachel Settle and her husband, Vince, Bettie Ann Matthews and her husband, Jimmy, Elaine Tatum and her husband, Mike, and brothers-in-law. Phillip Stephensand John Tolle – all were truly sisters and brothers to him.

Dwight also took great pride in his numerous nieces and nephews.

Dwight was predeceased by: his parents, Hubert and Frances Norris; three brothers, Swain Norris, Van Norris and Noel Norris; and sister-in-law, Oneta Shaw Norris.

He was also predeceased by his in-laws, Raymond and Betty Lou Jeffords; sisters-in-law, Carol Jeffords Tolle and Celeste Jeffords Stephens; and brothers-in-law, David Earl and Jimmy Jeffords.

Dwight received his Bachelor of Business Administration from Valdosta State University where he was a member of Alpha Chi. He then received his Master of Business Administration and Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Georgia.

He retired from the Auburn University College of Business in 2007 with the distinction of Professor Emeritus after 30 years as a faculty member.

Before becoming a professor at Auburn University, Dwight was a professor at North Georgia College, Dahlonega, Ga., from 1970 to 1975.

Dwight loved to travel with his family and friends. Since their early marriage, he was always planning family trips. While enjoying countries abroad, he favored travel in the great United States of America hiking some 22 national parks as he would say “putting boots on the ground.”

He and Sylvia also enjoyed all of the major cities of the USA and the diverse cultures they offered. Dwight was a man of many interests and hobbies including carpentry, astronomy and all things Lake Martin. He and Sylvia opened their Lake Martin cabin to many family and friends over the years.

He was a man of humility and grace with a love of humor, nature, time spent with family and the continued pursuit of knowledge.

Graveside service were held at Auburn Memorial Park Sunday, Nov. 15, at 1 p.m. with Dr. George Mathison officiating.

Contributions to honor Dwight may be directed to The Dwight R. Norris Endowed Scholarship Fund providing scholarship support for students of the Raymond J. Harbert College of Business, Auburn University Foundation, Office of Gift Processing, 317 S. College Street, Auburn, Ala., 36849.