JOHN L. NORTON

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JOHNSONVILLE - Johnny, 93, was carried into the presence of eternal God on Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018, at his home.

Johnny was born in Mullins, a son of the late James Edgar and Bertha Mae Ard Norton. He was salesman/manager at Stuckey Furniture Company for 18.5 years, co-owner of Norlew's Furniture for 12 years and owner of Johnny's Furniture Company for 22 years.

He was a member of the Indiantown Masonic Lodge No. 165 and a member of the Hemingway First United Methodist Church where he sang in the choir for many years.

He attended the University of South Carolina and majored in business administration.

He was a member of Block C Club and Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity. He was also the baseball team manager for two years.

Johnny enlisted in the United States Navy at the age of 17 and was quarter master on the USS Thomas Jefferson during World War II. He received battle stars for the invasions at Sicily, Salerno, Normandy, South France and Okinawa.

He is survived by his wife, Elwyne "El" of 38 wonderful years. When asked last week how long he had been married to El, he quipped, "Not long enough."

He is also survived by three children, Dr. Michael Norton, Rose Norton Rhodes and Sheryl Norton Williams; four grandchildren, Charles (Kaley) Rhodes, Jon-Michael Norton, Sarah Williams and Amanda (Ben) Williams; 5 great-grandchildren, Avory, Sadie, Emori, Maddox and Lila; two sisters, Nancy (Jerry) Poston and Mibbie (Charlie) Rogers; two godchildren, Brian Welch and Meredith (Chad) Powell; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his six siblings, James (Sarah) Norton, Billy (Elizabeth) Norton, the Rev. Hal Norton, Tina (Jim) Martin, Verna Martin, and Marjorie (Bill) Seale; and son-in-law, Bill Rhodes.

Graveside services with military honors will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday in the Old Johnsonville Cemetery, 800 S. Georgetown Highway in Johnsonville, directed by Morris Funeral Home of Hemingway.

The family will receive friends following the service at the Hemingway First United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 201 E. Broad St. in Hemingway.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Hemingway First United Methodist Church Choir., PO Box 6, Hemingway, SC 29554.

Johnny's final journey was made so bright and beautiful because of his family, friends, Amedisys Hospice and Amedisys Home Health.

Please sign the guest book at morris-funeralhome.com.