Norris Wayne “Norry” Camarena, 80, of Southern Pines, NC passed away on Wednesday January 26, 2022, at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst.
Born on October 13, 1941, in Merced Falls, CA, Norry was a son of the late Louis and Iba Lois Camarena. He is predeceased by brothers Larry, Robert, Jesse, and sister Mary Lou Graves all of California, brother Jack Barron of Southern Pines, and by a son, Michael Phelan.
Norry grew up in California. He was the owner of Coatings Unlimited, Inc. a commercial roofing business. His wife Carolyn opened Carolyn’s Cabin, and the Christmas Village in downtown Southern Pines and operated them for many years. Thus, their home was always elaborately decorated for Christmas, and they were hosts to an annual Christmas party as well. He was a member of Community Congregational Church and the Elks Lodge, both in Southern Pines. Norry was a well-known and successful businessman owning rental properties and developing Cam Square in Southern Pines but may be best known to many for his longtime dedication and commitment to Alcoholics Anonymous. There he became a sponsor and mentor to numerous people on the path of addiction recovery.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Carolyn Smith Camarena; son Norris Phelan and his wife Lisa of Montana; daughter Jill Bundy Kidd and her wife Kathy of Raleigh, NC; step-son Todd Hahn and his wife Miranda of Charlotte, NC; a sister Gloria Barron of San Filipe, Mexico; 8 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; close niece and nephew Tammy and Jeff McDonald of Cape Coral, FL as well as many other nieces and nephews. The family expects to hold a Memorial Service/Celebration of Life later in the spring.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Norry’s memory to FirstHealth Hospice & Palliative Care, 150 Applecross Road, Pinehurst, NC 28374 or to The Alzheimer’s Association – Eastern North Carolina Chapter, 5171 Glenwood Avenue Suite 101, Raleigh, NC 27612.
Online condolences may be made at www.bolesfuneralhome.com.
Services entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Southern Pines.
