Merritt J. Norvell, Jr.
Age 79, passed away October 19, 2020. He graduated from University of Wisconsin Madison in 1963, and served as a member of their athletic board. He was the athletic director for Michigan State University from 1995 to 1999. During that time, he had three Hall of Fame coaches. Merritt was actively involved in raising funds to improve MSUs athletic department and the facilities. He was the chairman for the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan’s Lansing Leadership Committee.
Merritt was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Cynthia last year. Surviving are: sons, Jay and Aaron Norvell and two grandchildren.
A celebration of his life will take place at 11:00 a.m. Friday, November 6, 2020, at International Gospel Center LIVE, 375 Salliotte Road, Ecorse, Michigan. This will be available through Facebook Live through the church Facebook page. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan, 1169 Oak Valley Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48108.
9 Messages to “Merritt J. Norvell, Jr.”
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Jim and Linda Heineke
October 20, 2020 at 7:14 pmOld frend fom a fellow Badger. Merritt was a rookie when I was a senior but I follwed his career. The family were great friends. Jim and Linda Heineke
DEBORAH J SUDDUTH
October 20, 2020 at 9:23 pmPrayers for the family of Merritt. He is once again with his beloved Cynthia. Rest well Sir. Sending prayers and God’s blessings on the entire Norvell Family.
Deborah Sudduth
Darryl E. Fox
October 21, 2020 at 2:05 amMy brother played high school football with Merritt and Ken Norton in Jacksonville, IL. We were always very proud of him. Condolences to Jay and the whole Norvell family.
Peter Higgins
October 23, 2020 at 12:30 pmR.I.P. ‘66 Frosh team assistant coach. Nice guy.
My prayers.
Patricia Kimble-Moore
October 27, 2020 at 2:57 pmThe Union Missionary Baptist Men’s choir will miss your roaring voice. You will surely be missed by so many people. May you RIH friend.
Ray stone
October 29, 2020 at 10:51 amMerrritt and I played baseball basketball softball togeather all our young lives, we won the ill. State championship in fast pitch. We stared playing little league baseball togeather and spent a lot of time at is home, I had the pleasure of meeting is lovely wife Cynthia, they were so much in love. I followed is life thru all those years. He was such a wonderful Person that loved his wife and his boys. I will never forget him as a ball player must most important has a true friend God bless you and Cynthia.
Marilyn Servoss Lawless (and Ron)
October 30, 2020 at 1:03 pmMerritt was a well respected high school classmate – and such a kind soul. Well recognized as a great sports player. So glad he came to our last class reunion last fall. May your memories give you peace and comfort.
Sam Williams
November 5, 2020 at 4:12 pmWe were friends of Merritt and Cynthia for more than 50 years. They were two of the best people we have known. We are very sorry for the loss of these wonderful people and miss them. Merritt, Doug Simmons, Al Studesville, and I, traveled the 48 contiguous states on our motorcycles over a 15 year period. Jay and Aaron traveled on several trips with us also. We were known as the Buffalo Brothers. Those were some of the best years of my life. To the family, you are in our thoughts and prayers. Love & Blessings,
Sam & Shirley Williams
Alvin lee
April 10, 2021 at 2:52 pmI met Mr Norvell as a HR person in Chicago in late 2020, while he was doing Search. He always found a moment to talk and even if years past he would find time to talk. He was the best! I am so sorry to hear he passed. My thoughts to his family, he was just great.