Timothy Vincent Norris, a 49-year-old white male from Cashiers, North Carolina, passed away on February 3, 2016. Known affectionately as "The Gentle Giant," Norris was a lifelong resident of Jackson County. He was born on June 28, 1966, to Jackie C. Norris and Donna Jean Houston. His death was a significant loss to his family and community.
The circumstances surrounding Timothy Vincent Norris's death were tragic and shocking. He was found shot to death in his home in Cashiers. The investigation into his death led to the arrest of his stepson, Thomas Glen Palmer Jr., who was charged with first-degree murder. Palmer had been living with Norris but was asked to leave due to suspected drug use and failure to fulfill promises to work and find his own place. Despite this, Palmer was not living with Norris at the time of his death.
The arrest of Thomas Glen Palmer Jr. brought some relief to Norris's family, who were devastated by the loss. Palmer was apprehended in Wilkes County, Georgia, where he was also a suspect in an armed robbery. The evidence against Palmer was substantial, leading to his arrest and subsequent charges. Norris's family expressed their gratitude to the investigators for their efforts in bringing Palmer to justice.
The case of Timothy Vincent Norris's murder highlights the complexities and emotional toll of familial violence. His family, particularly his brother David Norris and sister-in-law Tammy Nations Norris, were vocal about their grief and the betrayal they felt. They were particularly disturbed by the fact that Palmer had the audacity to serve as a pallbearer at Norris's funeral, despite being responsible for his death. The family continues to remember Norris for his strong Christian faith and the positive impact he had on those around him.
