On May 4th, Chuck Norris spent quality time with his mother to celebrate her 102nd birthday. Overflowing with joy and love, he took to social media to express his heartfelt appreciation for her, emphasizing her vitality and suggesting she might even live another hundred years. Chuck, who turned 83 in March, poured his emotions into a letter addressed to his beloved mother, Wilma. In the letter, he marvels at the remarkable fact that she is 102 years old and reflects on the irony of having a son who is 83. Regardless of the passing years, Chuck remains profoundly grateful to have Wilma as his mother, expressing unwavering love and acknowledging the challenges they have faced together, emerging stronger than ever.
With her birthday falling within two weeks of Mother’s Day, Chuck recognizes the impact of three influential women in his life: his grandmother Scarberry, who sadly passed away at the age of 90, his mother Wilma, and his wife Gina, whom he married in 1998. Together, Chuck and Gina have been blessed with twins named Dakota and Danilee, born in 2001.
Wilma Norris Knight, born in 1921, holds a special place in Chuck’s heart, as he attributes his current character and achievements to her unwavering influence, prayers, and steadfast faith. Wilma’s life was not without hardships, enduring the challenges of the Great Depression as a single mother raising her three boys, with Chuck being the eldest.
Upon reaching the milestone of becoming a centenarian, Wilma stands as a shining example of perseverance and faith, having weathered the painful losses of her two husbands, a stepson, two grandchildren, and Chuck’s younger brother Wieland, who tragically lost his life in the Vietnam War. Despite battling cancer repeatedly and undergoing approximately 30 surgeries for various ailments, Wilma’s resilience remains unwavering.
Chuck took to social media on May 4, 2022, to express his heartfelt birthday wishes to his “101 years YOUNG” mom, expressing indescribable love and gratitude for everything she has done for their family throughout the years. In his post, he shares a beautiful message, thanking her for the many blessings they have received together under God’s guidance.
Wilma Norris, still referring to Chuck as Carlos, made an appearance on The Mike Huckabee Show in May 2012, where she openly spoke about her life experiences. While describing her sons, she affectionately referred to Chuck as the “defender,” his brother Aaron as her “sunshine,” and Wieland, the youngest who tragically lost his life in Vietnam, as her “hero.”
Wilma’s husband’s abandonment left her as the sole provider for her family, and at the tender age of 14, Chuck assumed the role of the man of the house, taking care of his younger brothers while their mother worked night shifts. Chuck also assisted her in paying bills, showcasing his sense of responsibility and dedication from an early age.
Despite the hardships they faced, Wilma instilled values of resilience and determination in her sons, teaching them to believe in themselves and their ability to overcome any obstacles in life. She made them believe that they could achieve great things, even in the face of adversity.
Chuck, born in 1940 and raised in a small town in Oklahoma, grew up idolizing stars like John Wayne, Roy Rogers, and Hopalong Cassidy. It comes as no surprise that he ultimately became one of Hollywood’s legendary action stars.
Following his high school graduation in 1958, Norris joined the United States Air Force and was stationed at Osan Air Base in South Korea. Serving as an air policeman, he intended to train as a security police officer. Little did he know that this period of his life would drastically alter his trajectory for the better.
During his time in the Air Force, Chuck acquired the nickname “Chuck” and honed his martial arts skills, achieving a black belt in Tang Soo Do, a form of Korean karate.
After being transferred to an air force base in Riverside County, California, Norris continued to serve as an air policeman until his discharge in 1962, holding the rank of airman first class.
While waiting to become a police officer, Chuck opened a martial arts studio in Torrance, California, where he resided at the time. His skills as a martial artist were on full display, and his studios experienced tremendous growth. Training celebrities in martial arts led him to meet Bruce Lee, a renowned American martial artist and actor, and secured him the pivotal role of Lee’s nemesis in the film “The Way of the Dragon” (1972).
Chuck Norris achieved global fame and widespread acclaim, captivating audiences with his incredible agility and strength in films like “Breaker! Breaker!” (1977) and “Good Guys Wear Black” (1978).
During a visit to the set of the popular show “Walker, Texas Ranger” (1993 to 2001), Wilma described her son as the greatest person she knows, recalling him as her sweet one during his childhood.
As a family man, Chuck Norris exudes admiration and love for his mother, evident in his successful acting career and his role as a grandfather to 13 and a father of five.
Wilma’s advice on raising children emphasizes the importance of showering them with love, taking them to church and Sunday school, all while recognizing that children are a temporary gift from God.
This heartwarming tale showcases the unbreakable bond between Chuck Norris and his beloved mother, Wilma Norris Knight, and the profound impact she has had on his life and success.
