Blog

Dr. Hunter Norris, a longtime ophthalmologist who served the Tullahoma, Tennessee community for more than 35 years, has died suddenly and unexpectedly.

Dr. Norris practiced at the Eye Care Center, where he built a decades-long medical career caring for generations of patients. He was widely known for developing strong relationships with those he treated and for providing consistent, patient-centered care. Colleagues and patients alike recall him as a physician whose professionalism was marked by attentiveness, calmness, and compassion.

Throughout his career, Dr. Norris remained committed to high standards of medical care, earning the trust of patients, staff, and fellow medical professionals. His work helped preserve and improve the vision of countless individuals across the region, contributing significantly to the local healthcare community.

In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Norris was respected for his character and steady presence. His passing is being felt across the medical community, as well as among the many patients and families who relied on his care over the years.

Dr. Norris is survived by family members, loved ones, colleagues, and a devoted staff. Funeral arrangements and memorial service details have not yet been announced.

Community members and local medical professionals continue to reflect on Dr. Norris’s lasting impact and decades of service to Tullahoma and surrounding areas.

Zachary David “Zach” Karpuszka, born March 30, 1995, is being remembered for his lifelong dedication to music, education, and family. His death has left a lasting impact on those who knew him, from loved ones at home to students and colleagues in the classroom and community.

Karpuszka is survived by his wife, Alissa (Jacobs) Karpuszka, and their daughter, Millie. Family members describe him as a devoted husband and father who treasured time spent with his family, especially moments shared with his daughter. He is also survived by his parents, David and Andrea (Bade) Karpuszka; sisters Vicki and Nicole Karpuszka; parents-in-law Lisa and Ed Jacobs; brother-in-law Austin Jacobs; and grandparents Eileen Karpuszka, Wilma Bade, and Carole Fitzwater. He was preceded in death by grandparents Ronald Karpuszka, Richard Bade, James Fitzwater, and James and Victoria Jacobs.

A graduate of Riverside High School, Karpuszka earned both undergraduate and graduate degrees in Music Education from Bowling Green State University. He went on to serve as Band Director at Delta Junior High and High School, where he was known for encouraging students to grow both musically and personally. He was also actively involved in the music ministry at St. John XXIII.

An accomplished saxophonist, Karpuszka performed with several barbershop quartets and remained deeply connected to music throughout his life. Outside of his professional work, he enjoyed Disney, followed the Pittsburgh Steelers, and played golf. Friends and family recall him as warm, humorous, and outgoing.

A public viewing will be held Wednesday, February 11, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Deck-Hanneman Funeral Home in Bowling Green. A Funeral Mass will take place Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. John XXIII, followed by a graveside service at Oak Grove Cemetery. Attendees are invited to wear Delta, Bowling Green State University, or Pittsburgh Steelers attire in his honor.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. John XXIII, the Delta High School Music Boosters, or to the family to establish a college fund for Millie.

Karpuszka’s influence as a musician, educator, and family man continues to be felt throughout the community he served.