Richard B. Norton

Richard B. Norton, age 76, went to heaven on July 27, 2024. Richard was born in Hueytown, AL, on June 5, 1948, to Walter and Claudine Norton. He graduated from Hueytown High School in 1966 and from Birmingham Southern College in 1991 with a degree in Accounting. He was retired from the Social Security Administration. Richard was an active member of Huffman United Methodist Church for 44 years and a member of the Phoenix Sunday School class. Richard and his beloved wife, Anita, were married for 45 years and had the BEST time together! They loved concerts and plays and attended many over the years. As dedicated Parrotheads, they thoroughly enjoyed their Jimmy Buffett concerts. They cherished time spent with family and good friends. Richard and Anita often hung out in coffee shops, where they met people who became lifelong friends. They were best friends and their life together was full and rich. Richard’s legacy is his love for and kindness to others. He took Jesus’ admonition to “love one another” seriously. He was genuinely interested in the lives of the people around him, especially young people, whom he loved to nurture and encourage. Richard believed in offering random acts of kindness. One of his favorite things to do was buy a handful of Starbucks gift cards and pass them out to strangers who looked like they could use a little brightness in their day. He lived life joyfully and will also be remembered for his wild socks and funky sunglasses! Richard is survived by his wife, Anita Hazelrig Norton, and his adoring furbabies, Emmy Lou and Molly; his sister and brother-in-law, Vicki and Rick Parsons; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Mickey and Sandra Hazelrig. Richard and Anita did not have children of their own, so he poured his love into his nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews: Chris Hazelrig (Lori) and their children Jenna and Lucas; Suzanne Kellams (Ken) and their children Kayla and McKenzie; Kasey Jones and her children Ryann and Caleb; and Wes Parsons (Stacey) and their children Finley and Hayes. He is also survived by his chosen daughter, Tammy Schatz, and a host of extended family and friends. A visitation will be held on Friday, August 2, 2024, from 9:30 am to 11:00 am at Huffman United Methodist Church, followed by the Celebration of Life service at 11:00 am, with Rev. Angela Martin and Rev. Donna Godwin officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Huffman United Methodist Church, 711 Gene Reed Road, Birmingham, AL 35235.

Richard B. Norton

June 5, 1948 - July 27, 2024