Stephen Watts Norton

Mr. Norton, 69, passed from this earthly life into the presence of his Heavenly Father on August 11, 2013. He was born to David C. and Faye W. Norton on March 30, 1944 in Little Rock, Arkansas. Truly a man of incredible passion for life, and love of his family and friends, those he touched during his life are left to remember a man of strong character and faith.

Steve had a successful career in sales; most notable are his years as a sales rep at the Charlotte Merchandise Mart and for Barnhardt Manufacturing. He served as a volunteer and member of the Board of Directors at Bethel Colony of Mercy in Lenoir, NC. For five years, he was an announcer at WMIT Radio in Black Mountain, NC, where he found a passion to share his love of music and messages of hope for his listeners. Most recently, he was an interim pastor for Providence Road Baptist Church in Waxhaw, which was an honor for him.

A generous spirit, Steve was given the wonderful gifts of verbal expression and humor, and the compassion to care for family members in their time of need. He will be remembered as a generous and loving man who often shared a message of hope by his words and his deeds.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 25 years, Kay Minish Norton; his daughter, Kimberly Lee and husband Rick of Charlotte; son, Scott Norton of Charlotte; and son, Lance Norton and wife Candace of Hendersonville, NC. Steve was the proud grandfather to Amber Filliben, Cameron Lee, Cailey and Kyle Norton, and great-grandfather to Riley and Micah Norton. He is also survived by brothers, Randy Norton and wife Betty of Charlotte, and Tim and Nannette Norton of Fort Mill, S.C.; as well as friend, Pat Davis; nieces and nephews; and extended family. Steve is predeceased by his parents, and grandson, Nicholas Norton.

A committal service will take place at Pine Crest Cemetery in Gibson, N.C. on Thursday, August 15, 2013 at 11 o'clock. On Friday, August 16, 2013 at 11 o'clock, a Memorial Service to honor his life will take place at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 3115 Providence Rd., Charlotte.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Trinity Presbyterian Church; Loaves & Fishes; Samaritan's Purse; or a charity of your choice.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the doctors, nurses and staff of CMC; Mercy Main Rehabilitation; therapists with Healthy@Home; and the longtime care and friendship of Dr. Steven Bonner.