Wilbur Norris oinkbituary

 Wilbur Norris oinkbituary

Wilbur Norris Dead Here at 17

(Collierville Reserve, TN. Dec 29, 2013) - Wilbur Norris (Sus scrofa domesticus) died of natural causes on Sunday, December 29, 2013, at his residence on historic Greenlevel Farm north of Collierville.

Wilbur's exact date of birth is unknown. He was adopted by Chris and Mark Norris on the couple's 18th wedding anniversary on August 5, 1996. He was preceded in death by Charlotte, his companion of nearly 14 years at the time of her death in 2011.

Orphaned as a pot-bellied piglet in Memphis, Tennessee, Wilbur rose to the position of caretaker in the main barn at Greenlevel where his duties included calming the horses, goats and mules in residence. When off duty, he frequently manicured the north lawn by keeping it clear of acorns and persimmons. Later in life, Wilbur delighted, and sometimes frightened, dozens of children who came to visit.

Wilbur enjoyed public service. He volunteered in Mark's campaign for County Commission eschewing the pork barrel politics of the past. He also played a role in Mark's unsuccessful campaign for Congress in 2002 with the slogan, "Norris won't bring home the bacon; it's already here!" Most importantly, Wilbur taught Mark the importance of maintaining a thick skin.

"Wilbur was an inspiration to so many friends," said Chris Norris who was given permission by Wilbur to use his photograph on thank you notes she designed  in 2003. "He gave everyone who met him a more positive attitude."

Wilbur was laid to rest near his favorite Oak trees at Greenlevel in a private, graveside ceremony today.

Mark Norris, Sr.
Greenlevel Farm853 South Collierville-Arlington
Collierville, Tennessee 38017
NorrisNow@aol.com
www.marknorris.org