Ronald Burton Norton

On August 24, 2019, Ronald Burton Norton, loving husband and father of two daughters passed away at the age of 79. He was surrounded by his loved ones. Oakes and Nichols is assisting the family with arrangements. Celebration of Life will be conducted Tuesday August 27, 2019 at 2:00 P.M. in the sanctuary of The First Family Baptist Church 2790 Pulaski Highway Columbia, Tennessee 38401 with Pastor Rick Blevins officiating. Immediately following the service, everyone is invited to the visitation at Graymere Country Club located at 2100 Country Club Lane Columbia, Tennessee 38401 from 3:30 – 5:30 P.M. Memorials can be made to Young Life of Columbia PO Box 1243 Columbia, Tennessee 38402, Fellowship of Christian Athletes 2002 Oakland Parkway Columbia, Tennessee 38401, The Word of Life Ministries PO Box 681 Columbia, Tennessee 38402 or The Ronald B Norton Athletic Scholarship Fund for Maury County Public Schools c/o First Farmers & Merchants Bank 816 S Garden Street Columbia, Tennessee 38401. Ronnie was born February 13, 1940 in Nashville, Tennessee to the late Robert Burton Norton and the late Bernice Steely Norton. At the age of seven, his family moved to Columbia to open the Norton and Steely Produce Company. He graduated from Central High School in 1958. In 1959, he attended Columbia Military Academy. Ronnie was the first baseman for the Mississippi State University Baseball Team where he earned his bachelor’s and graduated in 1965. In 1965, he was drafted by the Boston Red Sox. Ronnie worked for the City of Columbia and served as the Parks and Recreation Director for 23 years. During his tenure, he had influence with recognizable parks such as Woodland Park, Eva Gilbert Park, and Cook Soccer Park. His enthusiastic approach to serving his employees is still evident to this day. In addition to serving his community, Ronnie was able to have a positive influence on the youth of Maury County to which he shared his heart. After retiring from the city, He started his “second career” as a small business owner of The Grocery Store continuing serving his community in a different way. This time providing memorable meals to the store’s loyal customers. Throughout his life, Ronnie continued his passion for his sporting interests such as hunting with his dogs, playing golf, fishing, and even playing in the Mississippi State Alumni Baseball games for several years. One might even have found his playing a pickup game where he might, non-admittingly, throw an elbow trying to score a point as if his life depended on it. In addition to Ronnie’s noted and reputable athletic abilities, he was a man of honor. Empathetic by nature, his kindness for others was always apparent. Compassionate and caring, his world was centered around his family truly providing the gift of sacrifice, devotion, and guidance. He lived his life as a Christian truly serving his fellow man without seeking recognition. The strength and perseverance of his character will be carried on by his daughters, grandchildren, and great granddaughters. Ronnie was a long time member of The First Family Baptist Church. Ronnie was married to the love of his life, Linda Bragg Norton. They were married for more than 50 years. Together, they raised two daughters, Krista and Mary Kimberly. He enjoyed life and relished in its simplicity truly discovering how to be a loving husband and father. He adored his family and was the model of a devoted family man. Ronnie is survived by his wife, Linda Bragg Norton, Krista (David) Brewster of Knoxville and Mary Kimberly (Andy) Moore of Columbia; grandchildren, Jonathan Brewster, Lydia Brewster, Robert Brewster, Lillian Moore, Burton Moore,  and Fletcher Moore; great granddaughter, Harper Ann Brewster. He is also survived by his sister Janet (George) Nunn, sister and brother in law Evie and Lee Bettis and sister-in-law Marilyn Norton. Ronnie was preceded in death by his younger brother, Gary Norton. The pallbearers that will serve for Ronnie are: Don Steely, Lynn Johnson, Lee Bettis, David Brewster, Jonathan Brewster, Robert Andrew Brewster, Andy Moore, Burton Moore, and Fletcher Moore. Honorary pallbearers will be: His Mississippi State Baseball Teammates, Members of the Nashville Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame, Sandra and Tommy Goetz. Dana and Bobby Daniels, Kim and Dave Anderson, Kelly and Don Beeler, and Don Morrow. A special thank you and tribute to Ronnie’s loving caregivers: Angela Morton, Karla Baker, Troy Jacoby, Karla Broadway, Carla Potter, Thor Coleman, Brenda Powell, Caris Healthcare, Dr. Douglas Kennedy, and Dr. Fenna Phibbs.