Reverend Norman Sidney Norton

Gaffney, SC — Reverend Norman Sidney Norton, 85, of Carter Heights, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, June 28, 2021, at Spartanburg Medical Center, surrounded by his family.

Born in Stony Point, NC, he was the son of the late Howard Norton and Margaret Milholen Norton. He was a graduate of Stony Point High School, attended Appalachian State University, and graduated from Wake Forest University and Southeastern Seminary.

He was the Pastor of New Heights Baptist Church for 43 years and formerly served as Pastor of Grassy Pond Baptist Church, Harmony Baptist Church, and Viewmont Baptist Church. Sidney also served as a former chaplain of Spartanburg Regional Medical Center and currently served as a chaplain for Gaffney Medical Center, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Department, and the S. C. Highway Patrol.

He was the former owner of Norton Photography in Gaffney and loved photography. He served as the first chairman of the Cherokee County Parks & Recreational District, a former officer and served on various committees with the S. C. Baptist Convention and Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, and was a member of the Gaffney Rotary Club.

Sidney was an avid golfer, made a “hole-in-one,” and was a member of the Cherokee National Golf and Recreational Club in Gaffney. He was a former accomplished softball player. He also volunteered with Cherokee County Meals on Wheels and the Cherokee County Children’s Home. Sidney loved his family and his dog, “Buddy.”

To say that Sidney was educated and well versed would be somewhat of an insult to him, although he was. He would say “he was called into Being, equipped as needed, and that education provided the course for his life.” His giftedness was manifested in many ways: He bought medicine for the sick, food for the hungry, housing for the homeless, and transportation for those in need. A compassionate counselor, he listened without judgment to the soul stories of those who came to him. He was trustworthy.

He was a meaningful presence to his children and grandchildren. Their concerns became his. They enjoyed many family gatherings where he was the center.

Through decades of ministry, members of his congregation and community knew he embraced them whether in joy or pain. He held their hearts, not just the members but their extended families as well. He was a dependable constant for so many. Sidney enjoyed his golfing friends who will serve as pallbearers at his request.

If Sidney could leave one message, it would be, “Jesus has always been within me and never left my side…in my darkest hours and in my many celebrations. My final prayer is that others can accept that understanding of my faith…as faith is not to be held but shared.”

Surviving are two sons, Norman McCrae Norton of Gaffney, and William Sidney Norton of Campobello; a daughter, Cynthia Norton Krull of Gaffney; a brother, Wayne Norton (Joanne) of Georgia; a sister, Joyce Keever of Taylorsville, NC; four grandchildren, McCrae Norton, Maddie Norton Hoke (Kyle), Kelsey Krull (Tyler), and Jake Krull (Jordan); a great-granddaughter on the way, Rae Bennett Hoke; and a special friend for many years, Gayle Phillips of Gaffney.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Carolyn Walker, and a brother, Lynn Norton.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 1, 2021, at Blakely Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, July 2, 2021, at New Heights Baptist Church with Dr. Johnny McKinney and Mr. Ashby Blakely officiating. Entombment will be in the Frederick Memorial Gardens Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to New Heights Baptist Church, 1367 Pleasant School Road, Gaffney, SC 29341.
The family will be at their respective homes.

An online guest register is available at www.blakelyfuneralhome.com.

Blakely Funeral Home & Crematory, Gaffney, SC.