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Billy Bill Norton
12/09/1928 — 07/21/2010
From Richland, WA, US | Born in Englevale, KS
Billy Bill Norton
Billy Bill Norton was born December 9, 1928, in Englevale, Kansas, to parents Horace and Lula Belle Zornes Norton, the youngest of five boys and one girl – all of whom are now deceased. Bill passed away at home on July 21, 2010, after a long battle with lung diseases including cancer. His wife and four children were with him, as well as his wonderful friend and pastor Dick Sanders. He graduated in 1946 from Arcadia Kansas High School. In 1947 he came to Richland to visit his brother, Marvin Shorty Norton, and then stayed in Richland for the rest of his life. On October 7, 1947, he went to work for General Electric and later Battelle, partially retiring in 1989, but continued consulting until he finally turned in his badge in January 1998 –50 years and 3 months later!
Bill married Betty Bell Norton on January 17, 1954, and they had four children – Kay Chip Hass, Kathryn Norton, Steve Denise Ciarlo Norton, and Paula Henry, as well as daughter-in-law Sue Roper, and good family friend Mark Kennedy. Their five granddaughters are Reanna Norwood, Beth John Mata, Jessica Henry, Crystal Williamson, and Melissa Lonnie Black. Great-grandchildren are Jacob, Justice, Jada, Derrick, Devin, Gavin, Adrian, Jamie, Robbie, Madison, Austin, Sierra, Elise, and Caelan. Bill is also survived by his sisters-in-law Dianne Bell, Margaret Norton, and Joan Norton; brother-in-law John Karen Bell, nephews Jim Carolyn Norton, Tom Bonnie Norton, Gene MariAnn Norton, and Joe Barbara Norton.
In December 1950 he was drafted into the army, spending 18 months in Germany as a supply sergeant in the 94th Antiaircraft Artillery Automatic Weapons Battalion, "C" Battery, where he made many wonderful friends. In 1988 he and others had their first "C" Battery Reunion, followed by others for many years. From 2007 through 2009 he and Betty held the reunions in Richland, but the 2010 reunion had to be cancelled due to his failing health.
Bill loved our large family get-togethers and watching the young ones growing up. He was an avid golfer; and dyed-in-the-wool member of the Men's Club and gangsome at Sham-Nu-Pum and later Horn Rapids golf course. Bill loved fishing and camping with family and friends, and always had a beautiful lawn with lots of flowers – until he was no longer able to take care of them. Then his wonderful children, grand-children, and great-grandchildren put in many hours getting his yard in shape for him, and daughter Kathy continued to work it so he could spend many more days of enjoying his beautiful yard.
Bill's family would like to thank Dr. Friedline and his staff, Pastor Dick Sanders, Tri-Cities Home Health, and Hospice at the Chaplaincy for all the wonderful care and support they provided over the past several months.
A memorial service will be held at Einans Chapel at Swift and the Richland Bypass, Saturday, July 31, at 3:30 p.m. followed immediately by a reception at Horn Rapids Golf Course, Sage Room.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill's name may be made to Hospice at the Chaplaincy, 2108 W. Entiat, Kennewick, WA 99336 or to your favorite charity.
Dear Betty, Kay, Kathy, Steve, and Paula,
My deepest sympathies on the loss of your loved one. The memory I have of him is his feeding toast to your dog, but the dog would only eat it if it had jam on it and was dunked in his coffee. Well, now him and the dog are probably enjoying that ritual again huh. Love and prayers to all of you.
Cecily
Paula and family,
Thinking of you at this time. Have lots of childhood memories with your whole family. God Bless and see you soon. Debbie
Among his many accomplishments, Bill was a “Master Craftsman”. I don’t know of any private cart at Horn Rapids that doesn’t have his signature on it, from custom made heater and ball washer mounts to other of Bill’s unique designs, I never saw a challenge he couldn’t overcome.
Some of my fondest memories of playing golf with Bill was when the Gangsome allowed Bill and I and other “Super Seniors” to play from the forward tees.
When paired with Bill, I felt I had a good day if I could match his drives on 3 or 4 holes. On other days Bill would say to me “Mannie, leave a quarter where your drive lands, I’ll pick it up on the way to my ball.
Bill’s sense of humor and keen competative spirit will be greatly missed.
Betty, Steve and family, I’ll be out of town the day of Bill’s Memorial Sevice.
My thoughts and prayers will be with you and Bill.
Untill later
Dear Betty: So sorry to hear from Carol Ryder of your loss. Please find comfort in your lifetime of good memories and a life well lived. Your friend, Jeanene Vanderford
To Betty and family. I was sad to hear of Bills passing. Hope you are all doing okay. I am so glad that I stopped in last year and got to visit. Bill was a good Dad and I did enjoy his sense of humor. I know you will miss him a lot and I know that in your hearts he will live on.
You are in my thoughts and prayers. Love to you, Debbie
Dear Betty & Family…my sincerest condolences to you all. You have been SO brave in this most recent “journey”, and having been the route, I need say no more. May the family treasure your fondest memories of Bill. Be With God and May God Be With You. Bob Bush
Hello Norton Family! First off, I offer my condolences for your loss! I pray that God will be with, and comfort you in your time of grief and saddness, in the passing of Bill Norton, Husband, Father and Grandfather! My memories of the Norton Family go back as far as I can remember. Growing up in the South-end of Richland,and attending all the same schools, & crossing paths with some of you from time to time over the years,I felt compelled
to send you my sincerest sympathies!
God Bless you all.
With sincerest sympathies,
Debbie Pietz
Betty:
My name is Dusty Butcher. I worked with Bill from 1980 to 1985 while employed with Battelle. Our condolences go out to you and your family. I always knew Bill to have a smile on his face. During the years I worked with Bill, he taught me a lot. On occasions over the years, I would join Bill and some of the other 306 W gang for lunch at 3 Margaritas. He will be missed yet not forgotten.
Love,
Dusty and Patty.
Dear Aunt Betty and Family,
We offer our condolences for your great loss.
Uncle Bill’s passing was a loss for us as well. There is a great deal we could say about our Uncle Bill, but for us the most memorable was his tremendous sense of humor, which we know has had a great influence on our personalities and our lives as well as others.
With greatest sympathy, Tom and Bonnie
Betty Steve and family.all though i knew bill was ill for sometime. it came as a shock to see he has passed a way. he was a great friend neighbor threw the years. remembering the times we went riding dirt bikes . still have pictures of frank and him riding in the Tusshee river English style what a laugh. great times and great memories. he will be missed. frank n bill are now together talking old times. may the lord hold your hand. assure you he is in a better place free of pain. till we meet again. luv to all. joy Hirsch n family
AN HONOR TO HAVE KNOWN BILL FOR OVER 30 YEARS.–INTELLIGENT—GREAT SENSE OF HUMOR—AND A DEVOTED FAMILY MAN. I WILL MISS HIM A GREAT DEAL.
THE BILL NORTON FAMILY,
WORDS CAN NOT EXPRESS MY FEELING ABOUT BILL AND HIS FAMILY. WE MET IN JANUARY OF 1951 WHEN WE WERE DRAFTED IN THE ARMY. AS WE ALL HAVE SAID MANY OF TIMES THAT WE WERE VERY FORTUNATE TO HAVE VERY GOOD GROUP TO BE WITH. WE WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER THE ENJOYMENT WE HAD IN THE SERVICE AND THE REUNIONS THAT WE HAD. WE WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER THE LAST REUNION IN RICHLAND AND THE WORK YOUR FAMILY PUT TOGETHER FOR ALL OF US TO ENJOY. IF THERE IS ANYTHING THAT I COULD DO FOR YOU OR YOUR FAMILY PLEASE LET ME KNOW. MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOUR FAMILY AND WILL LIGHT A CANDLE AT MY CHURCH FOR ALL OF YOU.
PAT COLUCCIO
Betty – I’m writing for my Mom – who introduced you and Bill. She was a fan of both of you. We lived on Wright Ave. and were friends with Margaret, Shorty and the boys for many years. I still visit Margaret when I’m in Richland. I’m sure you are celebrating Bill’s life, what a great family you have.
I remember Bill and being at your house or your family at my folks Ray & Julia house. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
you are remembered as a true gentleman and a great golfer.
Dear Betty; please know that you’re in our thoughts and prayers. May the many memories you have of your years with Bill bring a smile to your face. God’s blessings dear friend.
It was many times I played a round of golf with Bill at Sham and Horn TRapids. It was pleasure to just be wth and talk with Bill. This message is for you Bill Save me a spot in your foresome.
Dear Betty;
I just read in the Sandstorm about your precious Bill.I’m so sorry, although we know he is certainly in “a Better Place.” I know he will be missed by all who knew him.
My loving thoughts are with you and all the family.
Best regards,
Em
I played golf at Horn Rapids for several years but not with the “Gangsome”. One day Bill Norton was coming down the stairs as I came up and I noticed he had a 2nd Armored Division patch on his hat. “Oh, were you in the 2nd Armored?” I asked. “Yes” said Bill. “What outfit?” “The 94th AAA Battalion” answered Bill. You could have knocked me over with a feather. I was so surprised because “That was my outfit too! what Battery?” ” C Battery.”
That’s where the agreement ended since I had been in B Battery and wasn’t really eligible to join his C battery reunions. Still we reminisced about the 94th , and in this way I did find out that his wife Betty was the talented secretary who contributed so much to projects at Battelle Northwest. Wonderful coincidences! He will be missed.
Paula, kathy, n family, we are so sorry the loss of your father, he was a very strong survivor your family is in our hearts n prayers, your father will be with you always amd i will be here for you always.
Grandpa Bill’s always been my favorite grandpa, and I’ve got a few. Some of my favorite memories are spending the night with Grandma and Grandpa in the F house on Benham, I’d be in the living room eating my “special treat” of vanilla ice cream with chocolate syrup mixed up like a paste, watching the old black and white episodes of Twilight Zone, and Grandpa would come down the stairs stretching and howling like a wolf. It always brought a smile to my face. Still does. We’ll love you forever, Papa Bill.
To Betty,Kay& Family Having gone through this recently I know the loss you are feeling,my thoughts are with you.Kevin Richardson
Guestbook for
Billy Bill Norton