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BORN
1922
DIED
2023
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Willard Norberg Obituary
November 13, 1922 - June 17, 2023
Pineville, North Carolina - Willard (Bill) Warren Norberg, of Pineville, NC, went to be with his Saviour June 17, 2023, at the age of 100 at his home, surrounded by family. He was born November 13,1922, in Lemington, WI to the late Gustaf and Ruth Norberg.
Bill retired from Belk Services. His loves in life were The Lord Jesus Christ, his family and friends, America, and The U.S. Navy. Bill is known to all as a dedicated friend and a kind-hearted man with unimpeachable character! He has a special place in his heart for U.S. Navy servicemen & women and has made numerous appearances and given speeches on behalf of the Navy. He is a combat veteran of World War II in the Pacific, having served aboard the USS Enterprise (CV-6) aircraft carrier from 1941-1945. While on Enterprise, Bill was a participant in key Pacific battles, including the Doolittle Raid, Midway, the Guadalcanal campaign, Eastern Solomons, Santa Cruz Islands, the Philippine Sea, and Leyte Gulf. Enterprise earned 20 battle stars, making it the most decorated U.S. naval ship of World War II. While on Enterprise, Bill rose in rank from Yeoman to Chief Petty Officer (in an amazing 3 years), as well as receiving many Navy awards. He grieved over the loss of hundreds of shipmates during the war and one in particular, Max T. Lee, who was responsible for setting Bill on a path towards knowing Jesus Christ as Saviour.
He was preceded in death by his soulmate (wife of 64 years), Opal Hardister Norberg. He is survived by three children, Jack (Debra), Gary (Stephanie), and Janice (Roland); 11 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; plus countless friends around the world.
How can we honor a man like this? By passing his legacy on to future generations.
Bill's services will be held on Saturday, June 24, 2023, at Bethel Church in Cornelius, NC. Family will receive friends from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM and the funeral will be at 1:00 PM. The interment will follow after the funeral at the church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please send memorial gifts to Hillsdale College Scholarship Fund in Hillsdale, Michigan.
James Funeral Home, of Huntersville, is serving the family and obituary lovingly written by the family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Willard Norberg
5 Entries
Kathleen Davey
June 11, 2024
We thought about Bill last week when we were watching the D Day services. I know he served in the Pacific but seeing those proud veterans made me think of him. Rest in peace.
Olin FULMER Hutchinson, Jr.
November 7, 2023
I worked with Bill at Belks. I managed Belks Distribution Center for a little more than 20 years better known as Belkon. It was a great honor to have know him. Many times he told of what Jesus Christ had done for him. He appreciated the stories I told about my father who was a minister for 60 plus years. How God had met his every need. God bless Bill. I have seen him on TV many a time and told others with pride that he was a friend of mine. At 80 I look forward to meeting him again in Heaven.
O. FULMER Hutchinson, Jr. (Hutch)
Gaffney, SC
Dan Kay
June 23, 2023
So sorry to hear of his passing, but
know he is in Heaven with the Lord.
He was a Great Man!
Barb Smith
June 22, 2023
I lived at the Dorchester for several years. It was a pleasure being around Bill and knowing him. My sons served in the Navy also so Bill and I talked Navy several times. It was amazing to see how he showed up some of the younger residents at times with his energy. Peace Bill.
Kathleen Davey
June 21, 2023
My parents, Jim and Mary Margaret Plyler, were friends and neighbors of Mr. & Mrs. Norberg for many years. They thought the world of Bill and Opal. I have a friend that attended a Memorial Day service last month and she told me about the wonderful gentleman, 100 year old veteran that spoke. I mentioned his passing to her yesterday and she said "that's the veteran I told you about". We all send our deepest condolences to his family.
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