Eli Norris, 75, of Clanton died Friday, Dec. 31, 2010.

He was born Thursday, May 13, 1935, in Chilton County, son of the late Claude F. Norris and the late Elizabeth Baxley Norris.

He served his country for 22 years in the U.S. Navy, and was a member of Trinity Bible Church in Clanton.

Surviving are his daughter, Barbara Whatley of Clanton; son, Larry Norris of Clanton; great grandson, Christopher Davenport of Clanton; grandson, Jason Childress of Shelby; brother, Otto Norris of Troy; three sisters, Dorothy Stutzman of Clanton, Carolyn Ray of Millbrook and Betty Jean Price of Clanton; three granddaughters, Stephanie Davenport of Clanton, Jennifer Williams of Jemison and Kimberly Pierce of Verbena; and 11 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Mitsuko Norris; mother, Elizabeth Price; his father, Claude F. Norris; his stepfather, Horroll Price; his brother, Edward C. Price; his sisters, Virginia Outz and Peggy Southard; and great granddaughter, Emily Katelyn Childress.

Friends will be received from 12:30-1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2011, at Martin Funeral Home Chapel.

Graveside Services will be held Wednesday, Jan. 5 at 2 p.m. at Martin Memorial Cemetery in Clanton with the Rev. Donald Talley officiating.

He was dearly loved and will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

Martin Funeral Home directing. You may leave online condolences on the guest registry for the family at martinfuneralhomeinc.com.