Norris Patten Cruthirds

Norris Patten Cruthirds passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at the age of 79. Norris was born in Miami, FL, on February 10, 1945, to Mary Ellen and Norris Cruthirds. Norris’s early years were spent in Florida. His family moved to Georgia, where he graduated high school. He then attended Auburn University, where he was member of Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity and the gymnastics team. While on summer break from Auburn, Norris and a few fraternity brothers came to Wynne, AR, to sell encyclopedias. Upon inquiring where eligible, young bachelors could meet eligible, young ladies, Norris and his friends were invited to a party, where he met and was instantly captivated by Mary Anne Bartlett. The two spent most of that summer together making frequent trips to the lake. As a result, Norris never did sell any encyclopedias, but he did find the love of his life in Mary Anne. The two married on June 11, 1966, at Wynne First United Methodist Church. After marrying Mary Anne, Norris completed his undergraduate studies at Arkansas State University. Norris taught school for one year at Cross County Schools before being introduced to Bill Halstead, who hired him as an engineer for Halstead Industries. Norris built plants for Halstead throughout the United States, as well as abroad in England, Japan, and Australia. Throughout the years, Norris was an active citizen and promoter of Cross County. He served as President of the Crowley’s Ridge Country Club, as a member of the Cross County Hospital Board, and as one of the principal officers of the Cross County Economic Development Corporation. Norris was also a member of Rensellear Vann Masonic Lodge #494 and greatly enjoyed spending time with the members of Bartlett’s Duck Club, with whom he became great friends. An avid golfer, Norris, along with Mary Anne, traveled all over the United States, playing at various courses. Norris had a deep love for animals, and his rescue dog, Dots, was his faithful companion for years. The chief highlight of Norris’s life was his family. Whether during the holiday season or on an ordinary weekday, no matter the time, it thrilled Norris’s heart to be with his loved ones, making memories with them. Norris was a long-time member and supporter of Central United Methodist Church. Norris is preceded in death by his parents, Mary Ellen and Norris Cruthirds, beloved wife and soulmate, Mary Anne Cruthirds, and sister, Judith Cruthirds Henry. Norris is survived by Jackie and Rusty Hathcock, Brock Hathcock, Blake and Zach Baker, the three heartbeats of his life: Jamieson Baker, Jack Baker, and Harper Hathcock, rescue dog Dots, and many dear friends. Pallbearers will be David Knight, John Beale, Scott Baker, Tommy Turner, Justin Davis, Stone Davis, Alex Haley, and Mathew Haley. Honorary pallbearer will be Gene Gaerig. The family would like to thank the faithful caretakers and friends who were so devoted to Norris: Patsy Hogue, Veronica Lyons, Natalie Marrs, Sherry Sams, and Amariana Walker. A celebration of life and resurrection service will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at Crosslawn Cemetery in Wynne with Rev. Roger Hook officiating. The family requests that all memorials be directed to Central United Methodist Church, care of Glenda Futrell, 208 CR 237, Cherry Valley, AR, 72324.

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Norris Patten Cruthirds

February 10, 1945 - August 20, 2024