Norman Willis
Norman Willis, age 65, gained his heavenly wings on Saturday, March 21, 2026. He was born on December 8, 1961. Norman was born in Knoxville, TN he was devoted brother, uncle and friend whose kindness and steady presence touched everyone who knew him.
Norman was known for his generous spirit, his sense of humor, and the love he showed to his family and friends. Norman loves cooking, football "especially UT -Go VOLS" and basketball Golden State Warriors -Step Curry. He carried himself with a quiet strength that made others feel supported and care for.
Norman leaves cherished memories with his brothers, Luther Willis Jr., and Kenneth Willis, both of Knoxville, TN; his sisters, Elizabeth A. Holland (Rosher) of Bowie, Maryland, Rosa Judge (Kenneth) of Birmingham, AL, and Letitia Willis of Knoxville, TN. He is also lovingly remembered by his niece, Taja J. Nix, his nephews, Taurean Holland and Darrell Willis Jr., two great nephews Emory, Tatum Holland and a host of family and friends.
The family will receive friends on Saturday March 28,2026 from 10:00am -11am. The Celebration of Life will begin at 11am at Logan Temple AME Zion Church, 2744 Selma Ave. Knoxville, TN 37914 where Rev. Sam Brown will be officiating.
The final resting place will be held at the Berry Highland South Cemetery immediately following the service at 1:00 p.m. A dove release will conclude in his honor.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Unity Mortuary. www.unitymortuary1979.com
Send flowers to the service of Norman Willis
Cassandra OUTLAW sent The Peace Lily for Norman Willis - March 27, 2026
Ryan Lewis planted 5 trees in memory of Norman Willis . - March 25, 2026
Patrick Fagan planted 5 trees in memory of Norman Willis . - March 24, 2026
My sweet friend, I thank you for the love you gave me all your life. I will miss you more than words can express. Rest until we meet again. I love you Norman, Sharon
To the entire Willis family, Norman and my family go back way into the 80's when we were members at Peace and Goodwill Church. He always was the kindest person and very hilarious. Every time that we encountered each other, we would always laugh about one particular joke that carried over down through the years. I send my deepest condolences to the family. Rest well Norman.
Doris Littlejohn-Talley
I am so very saddened to hear of Norman's passing. I remember him from his early childhood and would occasionally run into him in Knoxville as an adult. He always greeted anyone with his warm and open smile. My sincere condolences to the family. I regret that I was unable to attend his Homegoing service. May God continue to richly bless each of you.
Giving honor to God Family and Friends. It was a joy and blessing to have had Norman in our lives. His warm and infection smile, loyalty, faithfulness, kindness and giving heart blessed and touched us all. Norman made lemonade out of every lemon. He could always find a strength of a mustard seed to count it all joy. Normans strength and courage to always show up as his true authentic self, gave all he encountered permission and the courage to do the same. Norman you were an awesome and cherished friend to me. I will miss hearing only you call me outside my mother by my government name π. I will carry you in my spirit and heart and, I will love you always.
Tonya Denise Hill & Family
My condolences to the family during this time of bereavement. Norman,who was one-of-a-kind, will always hold a special place in my heart. Over the years he's been a great friend with a heart of gold. I'll remember him and all the great times we had together. God makes no mistakes and I look forward to seeing him on the other side. Take your rest Norman and embrace your new life.
Sending condolences to the Willis family during your time of sorrow . May the lord continue to be with you during this time . The Hardin Family
May we extend our deepest sympathy in the loss of Norman Willis. Norman was a nice friend of our family. He was also a great cook, as he loved good food and was fond being with his family and friends! May God bless, comfort, and keep every family member and friends! Sincerely, Lillian West-Collins and Family
To know you was to love you! I remember Ms. Jewel bringing you and Michelle to the summer rec programs at Fair Garden playground! Then we tried to be grown and started partying together! We had more fun & laughs than I will share! Then we matured and for over a decade you would stroll across the Aquatic Center grounds and I would holla and wave as you strolled heading to the AGR house! We had already become family by love and then we became family by our Heavenly Father who does all things well! Over 40 years of friendship and never a misunderstanding!!! That's loveππΎβ€οΈππΎ Norman, my heart aches to lose you but love never dies and we will live forever in paradise! I love you dearly my friend forever β€οΈβ€οΈβ€οΈβ€οΈβ€οΈ
Ando~
Norman was such a kind, precious human being.It is so sad and heartbreaking to lose him. The Lord knows what is best and we must trust Him and lean not into our understanding.He will be missed by many people!β€οΈβ€οΈπ’
It's just a few months ago we seen and greet each other and you're going to your new home not made man! You're going to be missed but you will see others that has gone before and you don't have worry about pain, bills or nothing this world system is dishing out now! Sending condolences π to your family and loved ones and immediate friends with prayers followed as the days goes byππΎππΎππΎππΎππΎππΎ
Grace and Peace be to the Family and Loved ones. Remember Norman always with love and warmth. My Family prayers are with you all.
I extend my deepest condolences on the passing of our esteemed friend, Norman. I am grateful for the friendship we shared. May he rest in paradise until we are reunited in Heaven.πΉππΎπΉππΎπΉππΎ
I went to school with "Willis" as we called him. He was a very nice, decent person who I was happy to call a friend. Sad to hear of his passing.
To the family of Norman Willis you guys have my deepest condolences, I growled up with Norman in Walter P at the time it wasn't nothing but love between the tenants, he was a shining star in the projects so kind and thoughtful, everyone loved him. RIP Friend
Norman, you were the light of AGR. An awesome chef that kept us feed, a brother that would joke around n make the day better, a friend who was there to listen, and a mentor when we need words of wisdom. I wish my family would have got to meet you. It's been almost 20 yrs since I left Knoxville. However, you were always true to AGR. We love you and we will miss you. My condolences to your family and friends. - Chernenko
The family have my deepest condolences I have almost 50 years of memories love you Norman rest in paradise
Norman you will be missed by all you were so sweet and kind to so many people,rest in the arms of God
My condolences to the family. Prayers going up to the family. Norman you will truly be missed ππΏβ€οΈππΏβ€οΈπ
Norman i am going to miss our phone coversations.The lord knows we had plenty.Take your rest my friend.You will be missed by many.
Norma you were a joy to be around even as a child. you never changed. always giving encouragement, laughter, serving and just loving people. you will be without question truly missed. I pray comfort and peace for your family and the rest of us because you are truly loved. Love Mary and Sherry Patterson
Uncle Norman will be forever loved and missed! A smile like no other, and a personality that welcomed all! Forever in our hearts.....
To have become a friend and to know Norman Willis was a great friendship. We will miss him and will remember the love we shared whether it was yesterday or years ago. Beautiful person inside and out. RIP
Norman will be missed dearly what a wonderful person. So sadden to hear he pass Take your rest Norman you serve us down here well. Jackie Robinson
GOD so loved the world that HE gave his only begotten SON that whosever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life. Norman was a great cousin and friend to all and we loved him. He was the BEST Cousin.
Will (Maosa) Troy, Nikkii, Allen(Lorraine) Karen (Terrence) Christi(Steve) Pan Moore Family
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.