Born in Norfolk, Virginia on September 5, 1943, he was a pipe welder and enjoyed what life had to offer once he retired.
Left to cherish his memory are his children, Gary L. Norton, Jr. (Jennifer Bentley), Mary Norton, and Earl Norton; one brother; his lifelong friend, Mike Riddick; and an extended family. He is preceded in death by his mother, Mattie May Norton; his father, Lynn Harrison Norton; two brothers, and one sister.