Joel Robert Norton
November 1, 1957 ~ September 16, 2023
Born in:
Spruce Pine, NC
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
To family Joey, and to college and beyond Joel. Joel (Joey) Norton, age 65 of Asheville died unexpectedly Saturday September 16, 2023, at his home.
Those who knew Joey understand how much could be written and how his desire would be to keep it short.
Joey was a lover of the English language and a pretty darn decent guitar player. Above all else, Joey was a brother and a friend with no motive or agenda. He was selfless.
In keeping with Joey’s wishes, no services are planned at this time.
Joey was a steady supporter of MANNA FoodBank if anyone wishes to make a contribution in his memory.
Groce Funeral Home on Tunnel Road is assisting the family.
Services
Funeral Home Assisting The Family:
Groce Funeral Home on Tunnel Road
856 Tunnel Rd.
Asheville, NC 28805
(828)299-4416
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com
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Perfect description of our friend Joel. Thank you.
You will be missed.
My friend from WCU will always be remembered for his kindness, talents and humor. I frequently, even very recently, share stories about my time with my Joel. Rest my friend!.
Joey is my first cousin. I’ve loved him since the day he was born. He was not only brilliant, but kind, humble and had a wonderful sense of humor.
Enjoyed watching Mitchell high school football games with Joey the past few years. And grateful to have watched his last game with him, Danny and high school friends. You will always be remembered as an Original Mountaineer!
I am a Deerfield employee and have known Joel for sometime. I always stopped to talk in the hallway or in the parking lot because of his interest and knowledge in all subjects especially music. I got the opportunity to play with him on one of our talent shows; he was humble but I knew he was great! I am dismayed that he is gone as I know many are. I look forward to seeing him again and catching up.
He told me that the only reason I hired him at Deerfield is because I wanted him in the Band. Miss you my friend Godspeed Joel!
Best wishes, would have liked to crossed paths with you more often, my loss. Your the only person I knew that strummed with Doc!
I’ll miss all the days we spent together, from high school, to working together at Mission hospital and most importantly, Deerfield. You’re one of a kind and you will be missed by all that knew you. Rest easy Joey.
Joey, holy cow. How can he be gone? I lived next door in college and my musical catalog exploded from the constant “let me just play THIS for you.” Sharp, funny, and a true gentleman. My condolences to his family.
He told me once that when he was an English major at WCU, he and some of his friends took exception to the fact that the U had no classes in Latin, which they had also not had access to in highschool, and which they thought was essential to the serious study of the English language. So one of their professors took up the challenge to respond to popular demand and teach a seminar on Latin. Another time, I was with him and some others watching one of the World Series games. Knowing little of sports, I asked a question which apparently ought to have been obvious; Biff paused and looked at me kinda funny, and said “Are you sure you’re an American?” He made the very model of a scholar and a gentleman.