Guerry Epting Norton

Guerry E. Norton, 80, of Savannah, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 28, 2014 at Candler Hospital. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lothridge and Bertha Lynn Norton, four brothers, Hoyt, Hubert, Howard, Grady; two sisters, Alean N. Heriot and Melba N. Crutchfield. Guerry was born and raised in Savannah and was a graduate of Commercial High School. For several years he worked at Sears and Standard Oil Service Station. He was retired from the Georgia Air National Guard, 165th Airlift Wing, with the rank of Master Sargent, with over 36 years of service to his country. Guerry was most known for being the owner and operator of the Surrey Shoppe on the corner of Abercorn and Liberty for over 25 years. He had a special relationship with St. Vincent's Academy and employed many of the student from St. Vincent's to work in the Surrey Shoppe after school. He later began having peanut parties for the graduates each year, even after he closed the store. He was instrumental along with WTOC, in bringing the Christmas tree lighting back to Forsyth Park. For many years he donated lights and his huge star to go atop the tree. He was a member of SAFANG and the S.E. Georgia Timing Assoc., and was a member of the Chatham County Republican Party. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Temple. He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Ann T. Norton of Savannah; two sisters Geraldine N. Blythe, of Hoover, Al, Gloria N. Watson, of Norcross, GA,; one aunt, Reba Cobb, of Collins, GA, several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Visitation: 5:00-7:00pm Monday, September 1, 2014 at Fairhaven Funeral Home, Hubert C. Baker Chapel. Funeral Service: 11:00am Tuesday, September 2, 2014 in the Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Derward Poole officiating, with burial to follow at Forest Lawn Memory Garden, with full Military Honors.