Final Salute

With deep love and gratitude for a life beautifully lived, we announce the passing of Norris R. Turner on February 21st, 2026 at the age of 92. Born in Fruitland, MD, Norris’s life was defined by kindness, hard work, and an unwavering devotion to his family. He built a legacy not only through his many accomplishments but through the quiet, everyday acts of love that shaped everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Norris began shaping his strong work ethic early; at the young age of 16, his first job was helping to build the Delaware Memorial Bridge. He later graduated from H. Fletcher Brown Vocational High School in Wilmington, DE, earning his Plumbing & Heating certificate. Following graduation, he proudly enlisted in the U.S. Navy as a Seabee, serving tours in North Africa and Greenland.

Norris was married to Patricia for 29 loving years and blessed with three wonderful children until her passing in 1987.

Upon returning from his service, Norris dedicated himself to his community as a firefighter with the Wilmington Fire Department. Simultaneously, he worked for Gilbert Hubbard Plumbing & Heating, eventually acquiring the business and operating it as Norris Turner Plumbing & Heating for over 30 years.

A true outdoorsman, Norris was never happier than when he was hunting or fishing with his three children, or preparing his signature soups, stews, and wild game. He took tremendous pride in his garden, meticulously tending to a backyard that overflowed with vegetables.

For many years, the Indian River Inlet South Shore Marina served as a second family home, until he moved to Piney Point in Ocean View, DE.  When he wasn’t on the water, Norris could be found tinkering with cars; he turned his love for “the deal” into a hobby, buying, fixing, and selling vehicles with his dealer’s license.

Norris was a proud member of the Moose Lodge and the Delaware Scuba Diving Club (DUSC). Those who knew him will remember his warm smile, his relentless work ethic, and his quiet pride in his family.

Norris is survived by Carolyn Arnold, his devoted partner and the love of his life for the past 36 years; his sons, James Turner (Sharon) and Gary Turner (Marilyn); his daughter, Patricia Leo (Robert); and the true joys of his life, his nine grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Patricia (1987), as well as four brothers and one sister.

Family and friends are invited to visit from 11AM-12PM on Tuesday, March 3rd, 2026 at the Doherty Funeral Home, 3200 Limestone Road, Wilmington, DE 19808, where a memorial service will begin at 12PM. Interment will be held privately at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in his memory to: AccentCare Hospice, 220 Continental Dr., Suite 407, Newark, DE 19713.

Our hearts are heavy, but we are forever guided by a life that taught us that the best things aren’t bought, but grown, fixed, and cherished.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Norris R. Turner, please visit our floral store.