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Norman "Buck" Orvig, 89, of Lindale, Texas, peacefully entered into rest on Friday, November 28, 2025, with family by his side. He was born on December 22, 1935, in Ireland, Texas, the youngest of seven children born to the late John Wagner Claus Orvig of Norway and Annie Minnie Ebeling Orvig of Comanche County, Texas. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 33 years, Connie Sue Bell Orvig; his brother, John Orvig Jr.; his sisters Annie Orvig Seale, Rosa "Rosie" Orvig Featherston, Ima Orvig Hare, Uma Orvig Lee, and Olga "Auga" Orvig Moore; and one grandson. Born to a first-generation immigrant father and a native Texan mother, Buck embodied the spirit of both America and Texas. As the youngest in his family, he spent his early years helping support his father's thriving cotton gin and the farmers of Central Texas. At the age of 17, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served overseas in the Korean War. After fulfilling his duties, he went on to work at the General Motors Arlington Assembly Plant, beginning as a laborer and working his way up in representation and seniority with the United Auto Workers Local 276. During his tenure, he oversaw and led countless successful contract negotiations bringing new members, better wages, safer conditions, and the fundamental right to a voice on the job. Buck loved life near the water and spent many warm afternoons on the lakes of Central Texas. He waterskied, loved fishing, played a mean hand of Uno, and cherished the joy and friendships of his family and friends. He built strong relationships, a family, cars, a home, drove a school bus, farmed, and had want for nothing. He loved the Dallas Cowboys, hated the snow, liked his steak (and everything else served on a plate) well-done. Buck is survived by his sons, Jerry Orvig of Ohio and Aaron James (Tiffany) of North Carolina; grandchildren Tonia Orvig Velasco (Hugo), Spencer Orvig, Brayden Orvig, Raven James, Gabe James, and Ruby James; great-grandchildren Zander, Zane, Zoe, Celia, and Robert Velasco; and a host of nieces and nephews. With the support of his family, Buck will be laid to rest in the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery with Military Honors on January 5, 2026, at 1:15 PM. Cavin-Cook Funeral Home, Mooresville, is serving the family of Mr. Orvig. Condolences may be made to the family at www.cavin-cook.com.

Tributes

Norman Orvig

December 22, 1935 - November 28, 2025