Norvin Wray ("Andy") Anderson, 86, peacefully entered into eternal rest on Friday, Feb. 8, 2020 at his home in Irving, TX. Andy was born on Sept. 24, 1933, in El Paso, TX, the only child of Frank D. and Mary Lou Anderson. Norvin Wray spent his childhood primarily in the small towns of Hillsboro, TX and Paris, TX, then moved as a teenager to Wichita Falls, TX where he graduated from high school and attended Midwestern University. At Midwestern he was active in the Wesley Foundation and earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in 1955. After college, Norvin served his country in the United States Navy, stationed at the Naval Base in San Diego. It was during his time in the navy that he developed his love for boating and being on the water. He also adopted the nickname of "Andy." After his years in the service, Andy settled in Dallas, TX, where he began his career in the retail industry, first as a buyer for Titches Department Stores, where he was employed as a merchandising manager for 35 years, followed by later years at Susan Crane, Little Things, Teertronics, and GF &T. It was in Dallas in 1964 that Andy met his future wife, Barbara Ann Schutt, and together they raised three daughters in the suburb of Irving. This past August, Andy & Barbara celebrated 55 years of marriage together. Andy enjoyed using his decorating talents by assisting with seasonal markets at the Dallas Apparel Mart and preparing showrooms for Nowlin Trading Co. After retirement, he looked forward to volunteering on Tuesdays at Plymouth Park Methodist Church where he was a faithful member and helped out in the administrative office. In his free time, Andy relished gardening in his yard on sunny days, attending musical performances, visiting museums, playing the piano, traveling when the opportunity arose, and selecting new books to read on his Kindle. On most weekends in the fall, he could be found rooting for his beloved Baylor Bears! Andy cherished his family members, enjoying every chance to gather for a visit, meet for a meal, or challenge them in a game of cards or Chinese checkers! He always went the extra mile to keep in touch with relatives and friends over the years. Andy was admired for his creative gifts and his eye for detail. The beautiful centerpieces, gorgeous holiday wrappings and wreaths that graced his door held evidence of Andys special touch. Andy had an adventuresome side as well. Two of his fondest, fun memories were river rafting in Santa Fe, NM for a 40th anniversary celebration, and hot air ballooning over north Dallas for his 75th birthday, where he crash landed in a field of winter wheat! One travel highlight of Andys life was a summertime cruise through the Mediterranean with his daughters. Visiting the ports of Italy, France, and Spain made memories to last a lifetime. Andy is survived by his loving wife Barbara, his daughters Carren (Richard) Ellis of Waco, Amye (Charles) Carrington of Lewisville, and Chessa (Art) Exum of Benbrook, TX. He was also immeasurably proud of his two grandsons: Anderson Ellis of Arvada, CO and Miles Ellis of Houston, TX, and he was tickled to be in attendance for both of their college graduations. He is also survived by various other cousins and friends who loved him dearly. A time of visitation for all friends and family will be held at Donnellys Colonial Funeral Home in Irving, TX 7:00 9:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 12, 2020. The funeral will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, February 13, 2020 at Plymouth Park United Methodist Church, 1615 West Airport Freeway in Irving. Burial arrangements are currently pending. SERVICES

Visitation

Wednesday, February 12, 2020 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Donnelly's Colonial Funeral Home 606 West Airport Freeway Irving, Texas 75062

Funeral Service

Thursday, February 13, 2020 10:00 AM

Plymouth Park United Methodist Church 1615 West Airport Freeway Irving, TX 75062