Rev. J. C. Norton of Crumpler died on Monday, April 23, 2012, at Ashe Memorial Hospital. He was 83.

Rev. Norton was born on July 8, 1928, in New Hanover County to John Casper Sr. and Ada Ballard Norton.

Rev. Norton was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Alma Stone.

Rev. Norton served in the U.S. Army during World War II. After moving to Ashe County, Rev. Norton worked for Phoenix Chair Company. He served as a police officer before moving here. He married Faye Coleman at Seagate Baptist Church in Wilmington. He earned his seminary degree from Duke University. He served as chaplain for the hospital, jail and hospice. He was an Elder at Faith Fellowship for many years.

Rev. Norton is survived by his wife, Julia Faye Coleman Norton; two sons, John Norton of Wilmington and Wallace Pearson of Wilkesboro; three daughters, Julia Dale Wood of Wilmington, Karen Rash of West Jefferson, and Lori Ring of Charlotte; 11 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be held at 4 p.m. Sunday, April 29, 2012, at the Faith Fellowship by Dr. Dean Simpson and Rev. Elliott Osowitt with military rites.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Helping Hands Ministries, 619 Greenway Dr., Statesville, NC 28677.

You may send and view condolences to the family through our website www.badgerfuneralhome.com.

Badger Funeral Home was entrusted with Rev. Norton’s arrangements.