Everett Livingston Norton Jr., 87, died unexpectedly on July 3, 2025 at Reid Heart Center in Pinehurst following complications from an unanticipated heart surgery.
Everett was born on March 8, 1938 in Roanoke Rapids, and was the beloved son of Everett Livingston Norton and Dorothy Hill Maddrey Norton.
He was the grandson of David Bruce Norton and Sally Maria Leggett Norton and Howard Carlton Maddrey and Martha Jane Buffaloe Maddrey.
Everett was father to Rosemary Norton Lovin and husband Robert Lovin, Stanley Carlton Norton, and Gregory McDonald Norton and wife Antoinette Floody Norton. He was a wonderful grandfather and great-grandfather to Christopher Scott Norton and wife Taylor Denton Norton and their children, Beckham Mace Norton and Huxley Arlo Norton.
He was preceded in death by his son, Stan; his parents, grandparents as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Everett was raised in the small town of Jackson and moved to Raleigh when he was 12. He attended Needham Broughton High School and graduated from North Carolina State University in 1962.
Everett spent approximately 30 years in law enforcement working as an agent with the SBI, as an investigator for the D.A.’s office in Smithfield, as a detective lieutenant with the Richmond County Sheriff's Office, as the chief of Police in both Troy and Dunn, and concluded his career as an inspector with the Enforcement Section of the NCDMV.
After retirement, Everett spent many years as an Oak Island resident where he was the happiest. He enjoyed spending time with friends and family, fishing, and cooking for family reunions, his fishing club or anyone who wanted to get together! His secret BBQ chicken sauce was loved by all who were able to eat with him.
In 2016, he returned to live in Rockingham to be close to Greg and Antoinette, buying a house next door. He enjoyed getting reacquainted with old friends, cousins in McColl, South Carolina, fishing on Ledbetter Lake, and growing tomatoes and peppers.
Memories of good times with Everett will be cherished by his children, grandson, great-grandchildren, his partner, Iris Granger, and many family members and friends. Most would agree Elvis Pressley’s song “My Way” is an appropriate description of Everett’s approach to life and the enjoyment and fulfillment he received from living it his way!
The family will receive friends Thursday, July 10, 2025 from 5-7 p.m. at Watson-King Funeral Home in Rockingham. A memorial service will be conducted Friday, July 11, 2025 at 2 p.m. at St. John United Methodist Church, 7700 Gibson Road, Gibson.
Memorials may be to Boys and Girls Home of North Carolina, 400 Flemington Drive, Lake Waccamaw, NC 28450.
Online condolences may be made at watson-kingfuneralhome,com Watson-King Funeral Home in Rockingham is serving the Norton family.
