Chief Norris was born March 13, 1952, to Waddie and Vera Norris. Billy was raised in Cheneyville, Louisiana. He attended Rapides High School where he excelled in track and set numerous records. He attended Vo-Tech College and became a machinist. Billy loved to hunt and fish. Billy met the love of his life, Catsy, in June of 1972, and they were married for 41 years.

The loves of Billy’s life were his wife; his children, Hope, Melinda and Billy Jr.; and his grandchildren, Caleb, Madeline, Mitch, and Kara.

Billy served the Lecompte Volunteer Fire Department since 1992 and loved his job. He helped establish the 2nd Fire Station in 2000 and became chief in 2002. Billy also was president and treasurer of the Rapides Parish Firefighter Association and served on many organizations and committees. He taught AED and CPR classes to school children, the elderly, and firefighters. He went to many fire departments all over the state and evaluated water shuttles. He received numerous awards for his service and dedication to firefighters.

Billy recruited and trained young and old men and women to be firefighters for the Lecompte Volunteer Fire Department. He got his whole family involved. Catsy is the safety officer and drives a pumper. Billy Jr. is captain of Station 2. Melinda is the secretary, and they are all first responders. Hope was an EMT, and the grandchildren are so proud of their Paw-Paw Billy.

In a letter to the family, Rev. Bruce Miller wrote: “Billy will be greatly missed not only by a very close knit immediate and extended family but a very tight community including not only his own Volunteer Fire Department but also those of the region and beyond…He worked hard to obtain AEDs and other rescue and fire equipment, all important items for the community. He also served the poor and elderly in various ways…Years ago the whole community rallied behind him and his family after each of his accidents that ultimately left him “disabled.” I never saw his severe hand injuries stop him for a minute. He did not know the word can’t. And he did not complain himself. He pushed for better equipment for the community at every opportunity. He will be greatly missed by his family, community, and unsung firefighter heroes.”

Billy was a simple man who never met a stranger, with a “What can I do to help you?” kind of energy. He will always be remembered for his contagious smile. He meant so much to so many.

Billy’s love of God was seen throughout his life, which touched many people. Lamentably, this earthly reward for service rendered will not be his. Gratefully his reward will be. “Well done, good and faithful servant.”