Ronald "Ronnie" David Norton

A funeral service for Ronald “Ronnie” David Norton (77) of Alto is scheduled for 11:00 Tuesday, July 30, 2024 with visitation before the service at 10:00 at Salem Missionary Baptist Church in Rusk. Services are under the direction of Wallace Thompson Funeral Home. The service will be officiated by Cobey May and Lee Flowers. He will be laid to rest at Salem Cemetery immediately following the service. Pallbearers will be: Lance Crisp, Lee Flowers, Gary Hager, Tony Ray Johnson, Harold Simpson, and Jerry Todd. Honorary Pallbearers will be Steven Baker, Tyler Baker, Jacob Cheatham, Caleb Ferrara, Brent Jones, Jerry McClure, Ken McClure, Ryan Mabry, Shad Mabry, Keith Norton, and Steven Norton.

Ronnie, surrounded by his loving family, went into the presence of the Lord July 27, 2024 after a short illness at UT Health in Jacksonville. He is now with all whom he loved and lost.

Ronnie was born October 10, 1946 in Jacksonville, Texas to the late Archie A. Norton and Marie Norton Penn. In 1968 he married the love of his life Dottie McClure, and they moved to San Diego, California, where he served four years in the Navy. Ronnie and Dottie were married 56 years. They began their precious family in 1971 with the birth of their first child Julie and only a year later Kara in 1972. In 1975, Ronald Clay was born. Clay sadly passed three short months after his birth. During Ronnie’s life, he owned a dairy for ten years, worked in the oil industry, and worked for Cherokee County Appraisal District, where he retired after 27 years as Deputy Chief Appraiser. For many years, he was in the cattle business. After his retirement, cattle became his full time job and the most rewarding for him. He loved the land and the peace that came with being outdoors.

In January 1992, Ronnie gained this all time favorite title. He became “Poppa” to Alison Brooke Bowling. Following in June 1992, came Tyler Seth Norton Baker and last but not least Juliann Elizabeth Bowling born 1994. Also a part of his grands are Caleb Ferrara, Steven Baker, who blessed him with three additional great-grandchildren; Bryson, Abigail, and Addison and the late Scottie Baker. In 2007, he gained two more grands, Kate and Amy Stokes. Poppa became a great-grandfather in 2020 to Annie Elizabeth, Maggie Brooke in 2022, Channing Elizabeth in 2022, and he finally got a boy in 2023 with Barrett Clayton (named after the late Clay Norton).

Although he wasn’t an avid sportsman, he was the biggest fan of his grandchildren and watched countless softball and football games throughout the years. No matter the importance, from t-ball to bowl games, they could always count on him being in the stands. His favorite weekend of the year was the first Saturday in November. He loved cooking out for his family and friends and sitting in the deer stand with his grandchildren. A good game of dominoes, a classic western and a sweet treat were sure to bring a big smile to his face. Those who knew him best, knew a phone call was coming in November then again in December to come sample his “famous” dressing.

Ronnie’s love was as big as his presence and will be greatly missed by many.

He was preceded in death by his mother, father, brother, James Archie Norton, his precious son Ronald Clay Norton and grandson Scottie Baker.

Left to cherish his memory is wife Dottie Norton of Alto; daughters Julie Stokes and husband Patrick of Tyler; Kara Bowling of Rusk; grandchildren Alison Bowling Jones and husband, Brent, of Bullard; Tyler Baker and wife, Meagan, of Tyler; Juliann Bowling Cheatham and husband, Jacob, of Tyler; Caleb Ferrara of Rusk; Steven Baker and wife, Jessica, of Bullard; Kate Stokes of Washington D.C., Amy Stokes of Austin; great-grandchildren Abigail Baker, Addison Baker, Bryson Perry, Annie Jones, Maggie Jones, Channing Cheatham, and Barrett Baker; brother Jerry Don Norton and wife, Diann; sister Sandra Mabry; as well as many loved and adored nieces, nephews and friends.

The family wishes to extend sincere thanks to his Doctor and nurses at UT Health Jacksonville. The love and care given to him and our family is greatly appreciated and will always be remembered.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to Salem Missionary Baptist Church Youth Fund, Attention Dorothy Dosser, PO Box 142, Rusk, Texas 75785.