Mr. Homer Norville made his career with Kaufman ISD and poured his life into the young men and women he served there. For 39 years, his one and only employer was KISD, where he invested in the lives of students through teaching, coaching, and working as a school counselor.
From playing a role in the integration of local schools to leading his team to the state championship, Mr. Norville took part in and was witness to many notable historical events during his career from 1952 to 1991. Though Homer Norville passed away late last year, his impact on Kaufman and its citizens is one that continues to live on as his family, friends, and associates carry on his legacy of generously serving and loving the community.
For these reasons and many others, the field at Kaufman’s Lions Stadium was officially named Homer Norville Field earlier this month. Following a decision last spring by the KISD Board of Trustees to honor Mr. Norville’s life and legacy in this way, the district hosted Norville’s family, including his daughter Kaufman County District Attorney Erleigh Wiley and husband Aaron Wiley, his son Autry Beamo who is a former NFL player, his son Joe Norville, as well as his grandsons, at a special ceremony at the Kaufman Lions football game on September 3, 2021.
Kaufman ISD’s Board of Trustees dedicated the field as Homer Norville Field with the installation of a commemorative plaque located at the north entrance to the field. The plaque displays a photo of Coach Norville with an inscription highlighting his career in the district and his continued impact after his retirement. “It was such a wonderful thing done by the district and the administrators,” Erleigh Wiley stated as she described how special this honor for her father was to her and her family. The family also received their own keepsake replica of the plaque.
All these accomplishments and accolades of Coach Norville are summed up in one of the last sentences in KISD’s tribute to his life. “He is remembered by all for his benevolent spirit, servant heart, and the value of living a life placing the good of community over self.” Norville’s selfless impact will now be commemorated with each event held at the newly named Homer Norville Field.
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