Monday, June 25, 2012 1:21 pm
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Cleveland Regional Medical Center, with his loving family by his side. He
was born July 30, 1926 in Cleveland County and was the son of the late
Andrew Max Boggs, Sr. and Annie Mae Lutz Boggs.
He was a graduate of Fallston High School, class of 1944. His lifelong
passions were his family and his work. He refused to retire and often said
work was his hobby. His ability to influence others with his business
knowledge was one of his greatest gifts and he paved the way for many young
entrepreneurs to embark in their own successful businesses.
The fabric of his life was cotton. To Norris, cotton was much more than a
crop, it was a lifestyle. He was an expert on the topic and was a walking
encyclopedia of cotton production and ginning. He was steeped in that
culture, from growing up in the family business, A.M. Boggs and Sons and
carrying on his father and grandfather's legacy, he was a force in the
cotton industry. He served on the board of directors for the Southeastern
Cotton Ginners Association and was a member of the National Cotton Council.
He was also involved in the American Cotton Shippers Association, Memphis
Cotton Exchange and was a strong supporter of textile organizations
nationwide.
Though he spent most of his life as a cotton merchant, Norris was a
visionary in other areas of commerce, implementing numerous businesses
during his lifetime. He was instrumental in developing Premier Land in
Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, Southeastern Protein, Inc., Deer Brook Golf
Club, Challenger 3, Cleveland Container Service, Morgan and Boggs, Community
Pharmacy, Community Marts, Hickory Entertainment and Boggs Cotton, Inc.
Norris was a member of Friendship United Methodist Church. He was one of
the founders and charter member of the Fallston Volunteer Fire Department
dating back to 1956 and for many years, he served his community on the town
council as mayor pro-tem.
He was truly the ultimate southern gentleman, an avid Tar Heel fan and
enjoyed going to games far and near. He enjoyed having cook outs with his
friends, traveling with his family and looking for his next business
adventure.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Rush
and Kenneth Boggs; sisters, Maxine Grayson, Ruth Deviney, Ola Williams, Zora
Falls, and Selma Sigmon.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Sarah Davis Boggs; son, Gary
and wife Jo, daughter, MaeBeth Boggs; granddaughter, Laura and husband
Stephen Tharrington; grandson Aaron and great-grandson, Andrew. He is also
survived by his brother, Andrew Max Boggs, Jr. and wife Ann as well as
sisters-in-law, Nancy Boggs, Sue Haag and Dorothy Hoyle.
The family will receive friends Tuesday, June 26, 2012 from 6:00-8:00 PM at
Stamey Funeral Home in Fallston. A celebration of life service will be held
Wednesday, June 27, 2012 at 2:00 PM at Fallston Baptist Church with burial
to follow at Rose Hill Memorial Park.
Memorials may be given to Friendship Methodist Church Building Fund, P.O.
Box 219, Fallston, North Carolina, 28042.
A guest register is available at www.stameyfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are in the care of Stamey Funeral Home.