Melvin Anderson Norris, Jr., age 85, of Owings, MD passed away October 30, 2010 at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center in Baltimore, MD. Mr. Norris was born November 13, 1924 in Millgreen, MD to Melvin A. Sr. and Helen (Mitchell) Norris.

He was raised in Cardiff, MD, graduated from Slate Ridge High School in 1941 and entered the U.S. Navy in December that year. He served during WWII as a Storekeeper Third Class and was discharged October 17, 1944 after serving aboard the U.S.S. Bellatrix and receiving the Purple Heart after being wounded in combat.

He married Dora Mae Mitchell on February 7, 1952 and they lived in Hyattsville, MD until moving to their farm in Owings in 1953. Melvin was a tobacco farmer and also worked for many years as a milk deliveryman for the former Billandale Dairy in Owings. He was a beekeeper for many years, was an expert gardener, and enjoyed carving figurines and animals and other objects from wood. He also had learned needlepoint during his convalescence from his injuries sustained while in the Navy.

Melvin was preceded in death by his wife Dora on November 1, 1981.

He is survived by four children: Melvin A. Norris III and wife Linda of Owings, Hazel E. Norris of Owings, Anita M. Givans and husband William of Salisbury, MD and John E. Norris of Owings. He is also survived by a grandson, Eric M. Givans of Salisbury, MD.

Friends will be received at Rausch Funeral Home, P.A., 8325 Mt. Harmony Lane, Owings, MD on Wednesday November 3, 2010 from 7-9 PM. Interment at Southern Memorial Gardens in Dunkirk will be private.

Arrangements provided by Rausch Funeral Home.