Practice News Story #5: Obituary

Carlos Ray Norris
1940 ~ 2007

Chuck Will Be Missed

Carlos Ray “Chuck” Norris, 66, passed away suddenly from a heart attack on February 13, 2007 in Los Angeles, California.

“Chuck” was born March 10, 1940 in Ryan, Oklahoma.

He was an American martial artist, a Hollywood actor, an internet phenomenon and is best known for playing Cordell Walker on “Walker, Texas Ranger.” He was very proud of his Native American heritage, which he frequently referred to on the hit show “Walker, Texas Ranger.”

He married Diane Holechek soon after high school. They had two sons and a daughter: Mike, Dina and Eric. They were later divorced in 1988 and Norris got married again in 1998 to Gena O’Kelley. They had twins in 2001, a girl and a boy: Danilee Kelley Norris and Dakota Alan Norris. According to Wikipedia, Norris was always a very loving family man. Norris’s son Mike said of his father, “Dad never had a lot of love growing up, but he has given me and my brother all that he should have had in multiples.”

Norris was an outspoken Christian, and the author of several Christian books, such as The Justice Riders. He influenced many lives by promoting Bible study and prayer in public schools.

He created the martial art Chun Kuk Do. Throughout his karate career he earned several awards. On July 1, 2000 he was presented the Golden Lifetime Achievement Award by the World Karate Union Hall of Fame.

He is survived by his wife Gena O’Kelley and all of his children: Mike, Dina, Eric, Danilee, Dakota, and several extended family members.

Funeral services are pending, but condolences can be shared with the family at: www.inlovingmemoryofchuck.com.