Thomas "Tommy" Ryan Norris, Sr., Dies At 78

(Photo Courtesy of The Wood Mortuary)

Thomas “Tommy” Ryan Norris, Sr., 78, passed away June 14, 2025. A native of Greenville County, son of the late Thomas Eugene and Martha Yeargin Norris, he was of the Baptist faith.In 2014, Tommy Norris was named Time Magazine Automobile Dealer of the Year. At that time, he had been in the automobile industry for 47 years. His main advice in order to be a successful dealer was, “If you will listen to me, follow my instructions and put forth an effort, you’re gonna be successful.” He instilled a work ethic beyond reproach and expected their personal best. He came from humble beginnings and worked hard to achieve his success. He began his career at Fairway Ford in Greenville and went on to a managerial position at Toyota of Greenville, which led to him developing a relationship with Toyota Motor Sales. These relationships evolved into him opening Toyota of Easley as a dealer in 1979. Toyota of Easley rose to success as one of the top dealerships in the Southeast. His son Ryan joined him as a partner in the business in 2008. Ryan modernized the business while keeping Tommy’s traditional values intact. They adopted the mantra, “Our Name Means A Great Deal,” which still holds today. With his wife, Vickie, by his side, as his supporter and soul mate, they made a life together for 56 years.

To quote from Norris's Wood Mortuary obituary: "His love for God, family, country, and many friends was unparalleled. He was most proud of his family! He lived large, loved large, and if you were lucky enough to be loved by that big heart, you were blessed. And that’s a Tommy Norris promise!"Surviving are his wife, Vickie Williams Norris; two sons, Ryan Norris (Garrett) and Stacy Williams (Lynn); a sister, Evelyn Brady; six grandchildren, Adam (Lauren), Tucker (Catherine), Jake, Sophia, Cade (Megan), and Camden; and three great-grandchildren, Banks, Jack, and Saylor. Tommy was predeceased by a son, Adam Vincent Norris and a brother, Ronnie Norris.A memorial service will begin at 3:00 p.m. Thursday, June 19, 2025, at the home, with a Celebration of Life afterwards. Memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice. Online condolences may be made at www.thewoodmortuary.com.