WILLIAM JOE NORTON, SR., 70, was born in Lonoke, on Nov. 28, 1936, and died Aug. 17, 2007, at his home in Green Forest.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bennie and Gladys Norton of Lonoke; three sisters, Lucille Ring, Betty Sue Brumett and Juanita Lingo; brothers-in-law Charles McClean, Ed Ring and Harry Lingo; sister-in-law Nell Norton; and step-grandson Derek Long.

He is survived by his wife, Pam Norton of the home; six siblings, Ruth Cook of Pine Bluff, Dr. Bennie Norton of Atlanta, Ga., Owana Waddel of Lonoke, Mary Grendell of Dardanelle, Don Norton of Little Rock, Minnie Brown of Granbury, Texas; three children, William, Joe Chip Norton, Jr., Lori Susann Norton, and Robert J. Te-Rip Norton of Melbourne; two step-grandchildren, Kelly Long and Tambra Long; 12 grandchildren, Jake, Jessica, Josh, Davis, James, Andy, and Benji Norton; Jeremy, Terry Jozi, Kelsey and Tess Long; and 26 nieces and nephews.

Joe served in the U.S. Navy from 1954 to 1957. After an honorable discharge, he began his business career working in the insurance field. He was a state director for National Investors and held the position of vice president of the corporation. He left National Investors to serve as vice presdent of Captial Services Corporation in Little Rock.

Joe Norton was a resident of Green Forest for 35 years. During that time, he served on the Chamber of Commerce, City Council, and the Zoning and Planning Commission for the City of Green Forest. He was also a member of several civic groups, including the Lions Club and the American Legion. He attended and was a charter member of Beth el Baptist Church.

In 1973, he moved back to Green Forest as a real estate broker, where he owned and operated Norton Real Estate Agency. On Aug. 31, 1981, he married Pam Anderson. They purchased the Mattox House Restaurant and Motel in 1983 and operated it for nearly 20 years. He also ran an accounting and tax service business, serving the community until this year.

Memorial services were held Monday, Aug. 20, at Beth el Baptist Church in Green Forest with Pastor Joe Summers officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Beth el Church.

Cremation arrangements were by Smith Family Funeral Home of Green Forest. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.smith familyfuneralhome.net.