SMSGT Norris Stevens Jr.

SMSGT. (USAF Retired) Norris Stevens, Jr. passed peacefully, Tuesday, December 17, 2024, in Charleston, South Carolina. He was born January 25, 1948, in Norwalk, Connecticut to Norris Stevens, Sr. and Alma Stevens. As a youth, he left Connecticut and accompanied his mother to Louisville, Kentucky. Norris graduated from Louisville Male High School in 1966, and he immediately began his post-secondary education at the University of Louisville. However, he changed his life path by enlisting into the United States Air Force in 1967. Norris’s first assignments were to serve as a ground radio operator and as an administrative assistant. He later found his calling as an Aircraft Loadmaster, to which he advanced to the position of Aircraft Loadmaster Superintendent by the end of his 26-year career. During his military career, his assignments were as follows: Clark Air Force Base, Philippines, Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, and Charleston Air Force Base, South Carolina. Norris was also a Vietnam War veteran; he served in Desert Shield/Storm, in Southwest Asia, and in Panama. While serving in his assignments, Norris completed his AAS in Transportation and Traffic Management from the Community College of the Air Force; he earned his BS degree in Occupational Education from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois, and he earned his MA in Computer Resource Management from Webster University, St. Louis, Missouri. Norris earned a myriad of medals and service awards, including the Air Force Commendation Medal and the Meritorious Service Medal. Norris retired from the Air Force in 1993. Following retirement from the Air Force, Norris worked for the Defense Department as a contractor, he worked for the South Carolina Employment Security Commission, and he served as a high school substitute teacher. Norris was a proud and dedicated Life Member of the Ladson/Summerville VFW Post 3433 until his passing. At the post, he took on many duties, including Post Judge Advocate, Post Adjutant and Historian, Post Trustee, and Post Chaplain. At the state level, Norris served on the State VFW Prisoner of War/Missing in Action Intelligence Committee. Norris was also a member of the Post’s Honor Degree, The Military Order of the Cootie. He rose through the ranks and eventually became Grand Commander of the State of South Carolina. Norris was particularly proud of the spirit of camaraderie that exists among the members of the VFW. They were his family, and he often spoke of the work they accomplished in supporting each other and in serving their community. Among his varied interests was his love of reading, cooking, and music. Norris had a remarkable music collection that featured many of his favorite vocalists and musicians from the sixties and early seventies. However, one of his favorite pastimes was attending the South Carolina Stingray ice hockey games. He enjoyed ice hockey so much that not only did he view the competitions on television, but he and his sweetheart were Stingray season ticket holders! Norris was very devoted to his country and to his state. However, it was his love for his family that fed his spirit and that fueled his zest for life! Norris loved his children, Mrs. Ayobami Stevens Herbert (Jeremy), Mr. Eric Snider (who preceded him in death), Mr. Ricky Snider (Nicole), Mrs. Karen Snider Brown (Michael). Later in life, he found a cherished soulmate, Ms. JoAnn Perritte (who is also part of the VFW MOCA). He and JoAnn shared many adventures attending the MOC/MOCA meetings and conventions. Norris shared many precious memories with his brothers, Retired Judge Barry K. Stevens (Barbara), Mr. Craig Stevens and Mr. Dexter Price (Linda) and his sister, Mrs. Marcia Stevens Hopper (John). Norris’s love for family stretched beyond his immediate family and his military family and extended to his special daughter, Mrs. Denise Norman (Donald); his godsister, Ms. Sandra Carter; his nephews and his nieces, his numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren, and his family and friends. Friends may join the family on Wednesday, January 8, 2024, for visitation at James A. Dyal Funeral Home, 303 South Main Street, Summerville, SC 29483 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM. A Celebration of Life Service will take place on Thursday, January 9, 2024, at 10:00 AM at the funeral home (the family will receive visitors from 9:15 – 9:45 AM before the service). The Committal Service with military honors will follow at Beaufort National Cemetery at 2:00 P.M. A reception will follow at The Beaufort VFW Post, 37 Castle Rock Rd. Beaufort, SC at 3:00 PM.

SMSGT Norris Stevens Jr.

January 25, 1948 - December 17, 2024