BLUEFIELD — Billy Joe Norton, 71, of Rt. 5 Box 722 Bluefield, beloved son, brother, husband and father passed away on Thursday, November 29, 2007 at Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown. Billy was born on May 23, 1936 in Chuckey, Tenn., to the Clara Broyles Norton and the late John H. Norton. Billy graduated from Gary High School in 1954 and served in the United States Army as a Military Policeman until 1957 where he was stationed in Tokyo, Japan. He received degrees from East Tennessee State University, Radford University and West Virginia University.

Billy taught and coached basketball at Bramwell High School and led the 1967 Bramwell Millionaires to a 26-0 season and on to win the Class 'A' State Championship. Thereafter he was named director of physical education for Mercer County Schools. He later served as Principal at Bramwell High School from 1981-1983 and Bluefield High School from 1983-1989. Following his retirement from the school system, he became director of Community Action of South Eastern West Virginia until 1998.

In addition to his, father John H. Norton he was preceded in death by his nephew James (Jimmy) Blizzard. Billy is survived by his mother: Clara Broyles Norton of Bluefield; his wife of 48 years: Etta J. Powers Norton of Bluefield; one son: John S. Norton of Bluefield; one daughter: Amy Norton Badeau and husband Allen of Morgantown; one sister: Faye Blizzard and husband Charles of Bluefield; one nephew: Chuck Blizzard of Bluefield; two grandchildren: Amanda S. Norton and John William Aaron Norton of Bluefield.

Funeral service were held on Sunday, December 2, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. at the Cravens-Shires Funeral Home Chapel with the Minister Preston Mathena officiating the service. Burial followed at the Woodlawn Memorial Park in Bluewell. The West Virginia Honor Guard conducted Military Graveside Rites.

"They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old. Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them.”

- Laurence Binyon

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