02/11/2026
Dr. Hunter Willingham Norris, age 65, husband, father, beloved Papa, and brother went to be with our Lord and Savior on Sunday, February 8, 2026. A life-long Baptist and member of Grace Baptist Church, Hunter shared his faith by his life’s example of gentleness, kindness and charity. He truly had a servant’s heart and valued his relationship with his family, friends, colleagues and patients.
Hunter was an avid and life-long learner. He attended Bright School, McCallie School (’79), and later graduated from UTK (‘83). He received his M.D. degree from the UT College of Medicine in Memphis (‘87) and completed his ophthalmology residency in Cincinnati. After residency, an opportunity presented itself in Tullahoma, where he partnered in an established ophthalmology practice and began serving the community that he called home. He continued at Eye Care Center Associates with Dr. Craig Collier where they expanded the practice to include locations in Shelbyville and Wi******er. Hunter was instrumental in establishing the Tullahoma Surgery Center making same-day surgical care available to the community and surrounding areas. For 38 years, he devoted himself to caring for patients with eye injuries, restoring vision and strengthening the health of the community he served.
Hunter found great joy in sports and proudly cheered on the Tennessee Volunteers as a life-long Big Orange and Titans fan. Hunter shared his love of sports with the next generation by volunteering to coach local youth soccer, baseball, and basketball teams. His love with vision created his hobby of photography which led him to share his passion of sports as demonstrated by sending pictures of student athletes at The Webb School to their families worldwide.
A devoted Soap Box Derby enthusiast, Hunter crafted cars for his children and granddaughter, taking great joy in every race – and never missed a chance to tease the engineers at Arnold Air Force Base when his car won. Recently, after the Soap Box Derby was cancelled, Hunter teamed up with fellow supporters to revive the event on May 2, 2026 securing sponsors and helping ensure that the excitement will continue for years to come.
Hunter was actively involved with the Highland Rim Bicycle Club, a group interested in all forms of recreational cycling activities where he served as President. The group has been recognized for their Cycling Safety Program installing 23 signs insuring cars remain 3 feet from area cyclists.
Hunter was the youngest child of Dr. Nicholas “Browning” Norris, Jr. and Mrs. Catherine “Kitty” Norris, who both preceded him in death at an early age. His uncle and aunt Lyman and Shirley (Norris) Hodge raised him as a son, in Chattanooga. Also preceding him in death, include siblings Nicholas “Nicky” Browning Norris, Clifford Buffon Norris, and Tiffany Norris.
Hunter is survived by his loving wife Amy (Felker) Norris; adult children: Will (Brandi) Norris, Colby (Nick) Taylor, Perrin Norris, Catelyn (Derek) Horton, Dr. Zach (Anna) Norris, Caroline (Dr. Alex) Williams; grandchildren: Lilah and Laikin Norris, Maci Cate Horton, Ella Mae Taylor and Kipp Norris; siblings Ann Morgan and Jimmy (Stephanie) Norris both of Chattanooga; Susan (Billy) Felker, mother-in-law, LTC DeReese Goshorn (US Army, Retired), sister-in-law and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 15, 2026 at Kilgore Funeral Home (Tullahoma) from 2:00 - 6:00 pm Central time. Funeral services will be held Monday, February 16, 2026 at 10:00 am Central time at Grace Baptist Church (Tullahoma) followed by a graveside service at 3:00 pm Eastern time at Hamilton Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Highway 153 in Chattanooga.
Pallbearers are Brian Wheeler, Richard Shasteen, Steve Garner, Chris Porter, Craig Collier, Mike Cassidy, Scott Dorsett, Jeff Collett, and Scott Byrom. Honorary pallbearers are the Highland Rim Bicycle Club, the Soap Box Derby community and the Eye Care Center Associates’ staff.
To honor Hunter’s avid faith, the family requests in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Grace Baptist Church of Tullahoma Building Fund. https://graceintullahoma.com
