A voice silenced

I think it only right and fitting that this space acknowledges a lost voice. Bob Norris was, for many years, on WBLE 100.5 FM known as the “Voice of the Tigers.”  He passed away last weekend from a long illness.

He is already missed. Well, we really started missing him when he could not do the broadcasts in the radio booth last season. As dedicated as he was to bringing the sick, shut-in, working world the action of the Tigers on the field each Friday, the lack of his distinguished voice was immediately felt over the airwaves.

He loved the Tigers and in turn the Tigers loved him.

Bob knew everybody. That’s why he made sure every Friday night to call the names of those who could not make the game. He grieved when Tiger fans passed away. Now Tiger fans are grieving his passing.

If people did not know about cybertalk, they learned about it through Bob and how to keep up with the Tigers from Batesville to Iraq.

The news reached my ears Monday morning as I had been in the hospital 10 days with my daughter who had pneumonia. A respiratory therapist at Baptist DeSoto delivered the shocking news to me. I still feel as I am reeling.

Bob was a fountain of Tiger history knowledge. He recalled plays and games of days gone by with split second accuracy. I would never be the one who would ever call him on a possible mistake. I would just take his word for it.

He loved Mississippi State. Enough said.

Even though Bob was not on the radio Friday nights this year, it was still a comfort to know he was listening when he could. Now we know he will be listening from on high. He left a legacy of love and dedication to the Tiger program that will forever be a part of Tiger history. His family can rest assured he will not be easily forgotten.

To the Norris family, know that our hearts go out to you in this difficult time. Bob, rest in peace.