My thoughts and prayers are with your family. I had the pleasure of meeting Bill a couple of years ago . His wonderful sense of humor was  such a gift. He was fascinating and  such a great story teller.
I just found out about his passing  and am deeply saddened.
He will always be in my prayers.

Losing a Father is difficult at any time, but just before Father's Day has to be especially difficult.  To each of Bill's children and his extended family, I offer my heartfelt condolences.  Bill was one of the small group I call "forever friends."  We were at Murrah High School at the same time, in the same fraternity at Vanderbilt, and young lawyers in Jackson  before he moved to New Orleans.  To our mutual surprise, we ended up in the same law firm and retired at the same time.  Bill was always well read and wise beyond his years.  He thought and cared about big issues, things that were larger than himself.  He was great company with a dry and often wicked sense of humor.  Most importantly, Bill had a good heart.  The last time we talked, he spoke of his family, the importance of understanding other cultures, his writing, and our common mortality.  Bill was special, and will be sorely missed.

Alan Moore

   bill was an inspiration to all of us in rehab at touro. Always displaying a witty and humorous attitude. He   will be missed. My condolence to all of you.                  

My Wife and I knew Bill for the last 12 years, simply a wonderful man, always treating us with genuine kindness.  The last time I was able to see Bill was at his son Barlow's wedding, he was so happy and we had several wonderful conversations. Bill was always looking forward, never backward. He immersed himself in life and enjoyed it, a participant, not a man just sitting in the bleachers watching. Knowing Bill enriched my life like a light in a dark place. I cannot mourn for a life well lived, only for the loss of one so precious. Our love goes out to his family and friends and all those who will miss him.

Bill,  one of my dearest friends, was my classmate at Bailey Junior High and Murrah High School in Jackson, and my classmate, roommate for one year, and fraternity brother at Vanderbilt.  We played golf, double dated and water skied together, enjoyed many a raucous good time at the KA house, did plenty of late night exam prep together, and shared treasured memories at reunions -- and at Sarah's wedding.  About a year and a half ago, Bill greatly comforted me when I confronted a serious health problem.  He told me, quite matter-of-factly,  that he had the same problem several years earlier and had gone through the same surgery I was facing, declaring,  "And I'm still here!" I loved Bill Norton and will miss him.

I'm very sorry to learn of Bill's death.  We went back many years, to Watkins Elementary in Jackson, MS. 
 He was actually my first boyfriend.  He was called Newell then.  He  was lots of fun and had many friends.  I was glad we made contact again a few years ago, on Facebook.  He had such a full, fun and successful life and I've enjoyed the pictures he shared.  He was one of the "good guys" that everyone respected.  He will be missed.  I send my kindest regards to his family.


Mr. Norton will be GREATLY missed in Pulmonary Rehab at Touro!!!  Not only was he a great person but also a great friend.  Loved his stories, his smiles as he came in and even his grumpiness when we had to go to the ER.   He was a pleasure to take care of.  Mr. Norton gave us many happy memories. I will miss his sooo much.  Prayers and thoughts to his sweet family, who we would hear about daily. Baby Patrick was the star in his eye.  Mr. Norton would send me videos of him weekly. Rest in Peace Mr. Norton. Go see Cody for me!!!

With Love, 

Suzette Schmitt 

Your dad was my friend. He was the best of New Orleans for me. Larger than life, down to earth, warm, caring, generous and kind. I am so fortunate that I got to see Bill in the last couple of weeks when I brought him dinner and we sat on the balcony and watched the sun descend. I hate that I will not know how his book about Africa ends.  So many people in this world are so afraid of dying, they never really live. Bill lived. He had an amazing life and his story continues in his children, whom he never tired of celebrating. It continues in his grandson, the joy of his days.  I'll miss his smile and his laughter, his knowledge and his company.  He has been a gift in my life. 

OBITUARY

William Newell Norton

October 27, 1947 – June 11, 2018

Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home & Cemeteries

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