Dr. Fleming Norris 3rd Was Dentist, Veteran

Dr. Fleming H. (Buddy) Norris 3rd of Oak Bluffs, a retired dentist, died on Jan. 8 at home. He was born Oct. 11, 1926, the son of the late Dr. Fleming and Gertrude Norris Jr.

Dr. Norris practiced dentistry for 39 years in Elmwood Park, N.J. Along with his private practice he provided free dentistry to the children in the public and parochial schools. He was active in the Elmwood Park Rotary Club, serving as president for many years and receiving the coveted Paul Harris Fellowship Award. He was health commissioner of East Paterson, N.J. He served as a captain in the U.S. Army on active duty from 1951 to 1953 in Germany.

Dr. Norris enjoyed membership in many organizations, including the New Jersey chapter of Guardsmen Inc., Omega Psi Phi fraternity and the National Dental Society. He was a charter member of Farm Neck Golf Club and a member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Oak Bluffs.

Dr. Norris received his D.D.S. degree in 1947 from Howard University in Washington, D.C., at the age of 20. It was at Howard University where he met Penny, and they became engaged on graduation day.

In 1985 illness began forcing him to retire from his dental practice. In 1986 he and Penny retired to their home in Oak Bluffs. His friends call him the Miracle Man as he survived many serious illnesses and operations over the years.

In addition to his wife of 55 years, he is survived by a son, Maurice (Reese) Hatcher Norris; a daughter, Pamela Norris Norwood; grandchildren Marc Norwood, Stacy, Brett, Mary and Morgan Norris; nephews Keith, Arthur Jr., Scott and Andrew Norris, and nieces Kim and Ellen Norris. His godchildren are Norbert Bain Jr. and Robin Lynch Sprague.

A funeral service was held on Tuesday, Jan. 13, at Trinity United Methodist Church in Oak Bluffs, conducted by the Rev. Mary Jane O'Connor Ropp. Interment followed at Oak Grove Cemetery, Oak Bluffs with full military honors offered by the veterans of Martha's Vineyard.

For those who wish to make a donation in the name of Dr. Fleming H. Norris 3rd, his family suggests the Vineyard Nursing Association, P.O. Box 2568, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557, Hospice of Martha's Vineyard, P.O. Box 2549, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557 or the Martha's Vineyard Hospital, P.O. Box 1477, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557. Arrangements are under the care of the Chapman, Cole and Gleason Funeral Home inOak Bluffs.