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William Norton Obituary
Mr. Norton was a valued partner and friend of Larry Salefsky with Castle Productions. A talented musician, he spent 12 years playing with the Super Grit Cowboy band and also played with the Carousels and T-Bone and the Blues Butchers. He currently was playing drums for the Without Further Ado Band and also served as their sound technician.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Christine Norton Dougherty.
Survivors include his parents, Buddy and Roberta Norton of Mulberry, Fla.; and his fiancé, Kim Ginn of Jacksonville.
The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at Jones Funeral Home, Jacksonville.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Infant of Prague Catholic Church, 205 Chaney Ave., Jacksonville, NC 28540.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Norton
Robert Riddle
April 3, 2010
Mr & Mrs Norton,
Sorry, I'm a bit late. Even still, I felt I should say something. I owe him that. Your son lives on in the fondest of my memories.
Billy Boy,
I guess it all started between us as you and Charlie Heisey attended Tabernacle. We had a short, youthful journey from skateboards and bikes to jam sessions in your family's garage and our standard summer group hanging out at the beach. So many memories - lifting weights in the backyard, who could play like Neil Peart, teasing you about Alison, just being there with the others.
I can still hear your pessimistic response to our suggestions - "I'm too small". You weren't, and I think you knew it. Once the jokes were out of the way, it just took a little prodding to get that bright smile to open up.
Charlie, Barry, and I couldn't make you a band drummer, but you made your own way. In so many ways you were the quintessential drummer - shy, funny, and crazy enough to turn raw talent into a life spent making others happy.
Where did the time go? I always thought we'd meet again, and maybe we will yet. I expect to see you behind the drum kit or at the beach.
Boyhood friends forever.
Jackie Taylor
March 29, 2010
Billy...as a little girl I remember you coming to our house to practice with the band you were in with my dad. I was about 9 and you were about 20. I can remember taking your drum sticks and annoying you as you would set up your equipment to practice. Spinning around in your drum stool and hiding inside of your drum set, annoying you, just to get your attention. As a little girl I had a crush on the cutest guy I thought I had ever met, adorable Billy Norton. You were such a big part of my family's life, especially my father, Fred Taylor. You probably never knew how special I thought you were. All of these years passed and I only had the opportunity to see you in passing a couple of times. What I wouldn't give to have another moment to say hello and laugh about the memories of 20 years ago. What a talented, talented, musician you were. You will be greatly missed by many. My deepest sympathies to Mr. and Mrs. Norton, your finace', and every person you touched during your life here on earth. I pray that God poors his peace which passes all understanding to all you left behind. I am grateful to have known you.... Rest in Peace Billy....
Lloyd Brown
March 29, 2010
Bill will be remembered as a dear and caring friend. My prayers and deepest sympathy to the Bills family as well as his WOHS Family. He was loved by so many.
cynthia jacobs whalen
March 29, 2010
Mr. and Mrs. Norton , May the peace of God be with you during this time of sadness. I too rode that bus with Bill to tabernacle school and I also remember him and Grady on that bus they were just too funny. Bill will truly be missed. He was an awesome drummer. I remember him using his drum sticks to beat on the back of the bus seat.... He was so very talented. God give him peace..................
Sharon (Taylor) Howard
March 27, 2010
Buddy and Roberta, please know the deepest heartfelt sympathies from the Taylors are with you during this sad time. Though it has been over 20 years since Billy began his love of drumming with Fred Taylor's band, time cannot erase how much he was loved by Fred and family. What a talented drummer he was! Billy and Tony, coming to our home to practice, was always a time that brought laughter and smiles. His boyish, smiling ways made us always so glad to have him around. Occasional chance meetings over the years were so special to me to have a big hug from him. Time passes, things change, but memories are forever, and memories of times with Billy are to be cherised. Our prayers are with you for the Lord's peace. We know the passing of your child is a pain that God, literally, understands and will uphold you. May these blessings of peace and understanding be yours and also extended to Billy's fiancee.
Michelle Henderson Wright
March 27, 2010
I was very shocked and saddened to hear about the passing of Bill. He was so talented and I remember he loved his music. He will truly be missed. May God give you strength during this time.
Dwayne Shultz
March 26, 2010
Like my sister Diane, I too remember Bill and Grady making that long ride to Tabernacle enjoyable. I hope to hear you jamming in Heaven one day. May God's love grant peace to your family and friends during this time.
Lisa Taylor Kralik
March 26, 2010
Billy - I remember riding on the bus with you and Grady, both of you crumbling crackers into my mouth after I had fallen asleep. I enjoyed the years that you played in my dad's band. How lucky he was to have such a wonderful drummer. I remember how kind you were to me. Thank you. I am so sorry you are gone.... I pray God's comfort and grace for those who are left behind to miss you.
Barry Swain
March 25, 2010
Bill was one of the most talented drummers I could have ever known.. Music was his soul. A true friend and as much of a brother to me that anyone could ever be..
Grady Harden
March 25, 2010
For many years, I was at Bill's house everyday. We were the oddest of couples before it was a fashionable reference. His ability to make me laugh was a distant second to his immense musical ability. There wasn't a summer day that I didn't pass his house to play basketball that I didn't hear one of his legendary jam session. I will miss you Bill.
Dale McCulley
March 25, 2010
I am very sad to hear of the passing of my friend and fellow drummer Bill Norton. He was a very talented musician and just generally a great guy with a big heart and unlimited spirit and enthusiasm for life and music. You will be sorely missed my brother. May God give you rest and peace.
Diane Shultz
March 25, 2010
I will probably best remember Bill on the bus with his drums sitting in the back with Grady Harden. Many times they kept us going on the long ride from Tabernacle with "We Will Rock You" by Queen. So sorry to hear about Bill's passing on.
Becky Cylc
March 24, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I knew Bill in middle school and high school. I remember his musical talent and his boyish smile. He will be missed.
Clarissa Humbert
March 24, 2010
My deepest Sympathy to Bill's family and friends. While I only had one class (Mr. Mitchell's Algebra class) with Bill in High School, he was a great guy to know.
Etta Dougherty
March 24, 2010
My Heart is with you,may God bless and keep you safe.
Mrs Dougherty,William, Robert, and Doug's Mom. every way I turn I will see Bill....
William Dougherty
March 24, 2010
Mr and Mrs. Norton, I still remember the first time I met Billy when he was playing drums in your garage. He was fifteen years old, and full of life. Oh how I enjoyed the time I was privileged to have known him and the time we spent performing in the band. Billy was the best drummer I had ever had the honor to share a dream and a song with. I still have the tape when we went to the recording studio so I will always have Billy in my heart and soul. I will miss him. You all are family in my heart. God, please bless Billy and and help him find the peace that he deserves. God bless you, Mr. and Mrs. Norton,
Sarah Ablang
March 24, 2010
I was very sorry to hear about the passing of Bill. He was a man full of talent. My prayers go out to his parents and his fiance. God Bless you and give you strength in your hour of need. God rest his soul.
Suzanne Wright
March 24, 2010
So sorry to hear of the lose of Bill. What a wonderful spirit. He was a dear friend of mine since middle school and always enjoyed catching up whenever we ran into each other. My prayers and thoughts are with you all. May God bless and be with you all at this time.
Suzanne Becker Wright
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