Joe Frank Norton

Memorial service for Joe Frank Norton, 84, will be Saturday, January 14, 2017, at 2 p.m. at Thompson Funeral Home with the Rev. Ricky Pollard officiating. Mr. Norton was the only child of Thomas Jewell Norton and Mary Mitchell Norton. Joe Frank Norton was born January 30, 1932 and completed his life's journey in the afternoon on December 29, 2016 surrounded by his loving family. He peacefully left this earthly life to join his savior Jesus. Survivors include wife, Mary Headrick Norton; sons, Frankie Norton (Kim), Ronnie Norton (Rhonda), and Gregory Norton (Alice Martin); daughter, Lisa Moland (Ronald); Pawpaw ( Joe Frank ) is survived by twelve grandchildren, Lori Downs (Wes), Kristen Schuester (David), Christine McNulty (Daniel), Jennifer Jones (Jason), Nicholas Norton, Dale Norton, Jeremiah Parris, Jeffrey Parris, Cassandra Norton, Leslie Moland, Thomas Moland, and John Moland; Pawpaw also leaves behind six great- grandchildren, Hadley Downs, Brooklyn Downs, Samuel Jones, Nathaniel Jones, John Jones, and Daniel McNulty. Mr. Norton was preceded in death by his daughter, Tanya Katherine Norton. Together Joe Frank and Mary Headrick Norton raised a family of five children. Joe Frank committed his life to the Lord and made sure his children were brought up in the church. He consistently assisted in the functioning of numerous churches such as Norwood Baptist Church, Mt. Zion Baptist Church, First Baptist Church of Piedmont and Pleasant Arbor Baptist Church. He taught Sunday School, performed maintenance work, served as a deacon and participated yearly in Carpenters for Christ. Joe Frank attended Spring Garden Schools where he met the love of his life, Mary Headrick. They were each others first and last date. He played basketball and baseball at Spring Garden and was also involved in FFA. After high school, Joe Frank attended Auburn University, Gadsden State Community College, and Jacksonville State University, completing his Bachelors of Science degree. He continually updated his professional skills and credentials by completing post-graduate courses at numerous universities and colleges. After working for several years in the field of diesel mechanics/management, Joe Frank accepted an instructor's position at Ayers State Technical College (later known at Gadsden State Community College). He thoroughly enjoyed helping his students learn new skills to build their careers. After many years of teaching, he retired to build his own business and enjoy life on the farm. Mr. Joe (as many called him) became an independent business owner for Branson Tractors. Among his great joys were returning to his boyhood home in Spring Garden, farming, running his tractor business, repairing large equipment, and visiting with family and friends. In addition to country living, Joe Norton enjoyed following community youth sports, stock car racing, and reading. Joe Frank Norton was determined to live life to the fullest, even in the face of physical illness and pain that lasted well over twenty years. He was unselfish with both money and time, he gave extensively to the Lord and his family and friends. He loved to trouble shoot, he was determined to overcome any and all obstacles. Dad appreciated and loved life. Thompson Funeral Home, Piedmont is directing.