Joseph Lee �Bunch� Norton

Joe Bunch Norton, age 78 went to live with his Lord and Savior Friday May 29, 2015 from a sudden heart attack. Joe was born in Revere, NC on January 31, 1937 to the late Mona Lee Wallin Stroupe and Shelt Leake. He is a retired Chief Petty Officer in the United States Navy, serving in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars aboard many aircraft carriers. While in the service he received numerous awards and accommodations. Upon his completion in the service he attended Tennessee Temple Bible School in Chattanooga, Tennessee, receiving a degree in Theology in 1977, while in school he worked in the Steel Industry. He and his family moved back to Asheville in 1977,and retired from Carolina Power and Light in 1993. After retirement he and his wife joined Amazing Grace Mission as missionaries, traveling to fairs and festivals all around the United States to share the gospel. Joe and his wife are members of Temple Baptist Church. He is survived by the love of his life, Mary Bullman Norton, his wife of 57 years. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his three children; Michael Douglas Norton and wife Sheree L. Norton of Alexander, NC, Scott Quinton Norton of Chesapeake, VA, and Victoria Norton Lanning and husband Brent Leslie Lanning of Alexander, NC. He has four grandchildren; Crystal Norton Selph of Bremerton, WA, Scottie Quinton Norton II,of New York City, NY, Caleb James Baliles of Alexander, NC, and Sarah Grace Norton of Alexander, NC. As well as five great grandsons. Funeral service will be held at 11 AM Tuesday, June 2, 2015, at Temple Baptist Church, 985 1/2 Patton Ave, Asheville, with Pastor Randy Bray officiating. Burial will follow in the Joe Bullman Cemetery, with full military honors provided by the US Navy. The family will receive friends from 6 8 PM Monday at Anders-Rice Funeral Home, and at other times at the home. Pallbearers will be his nephews. The Norton family would like to give a special Thank You to the EMS and Fire Department of West Buncombe for their care. Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made to the Amazing Grace Mission, C/O Temple Baptist Church, 985 Patton Ave, Asheville, NC 28806.