Obituary of Robert Norton

The Reverend Robert Hal Norton met his savior face to face on Saturday, February 13, 2010. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, February 16 at the Garden City Chapel with Rev. Robert Shaw, Rev. Donald Britt and Rev. Jason Brewer officiating. The family will receive friends in the Bagnal Youth building following the service.Hal was born on February 10, 1931 in Mullins, S.C. He received a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of South Carolina as part of the first class of Byrnes Scholars, an honor he treasured for the rest of his life. He later proudly served as the president of the Byrnes foundation for many years. He received the Masters of Divinity from Southeastern Seminary in Wake Forest, N.C.He served as the pastor of the Garden City Chapel for 42 years. Hal engaged in significant work with children's homes from three states, as well as annually hosting children from Northern Ireland to promote peace and develop leaders. He was also a great supporter of The Pee Dee Area Big Brothers. He was awarded The Order of the Silver Crescent for his many contributions to the Palmetto State in 2002.He spent his life working with young people through ministry, education, and benevolent organizations. His love of sports gave him a passion for sports ministry. Hal was instrumental in establishing The Fellowship of Christian Athletes on a statewide level and was a part of the first class inducted to the SC FCA Hall of Fame.He was preceded in death by his parents, James Edgar Norton and Bertha Ard Norton; his brother Billy Norton, and his sisters Marjorie N. Seale, and Verna N. Martin. He is survived by his brothers, James E. Norton Sr. (Sara) and Johnny Norton (Elwyne); his sisters Tina N. Martin, Mibbie N. Rogers ( Charlie) and Nancy N. Poston (Jerry) and many nieces and nephews whom he loved tremendously.In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Garden City Chapel, 316 Dogwood Dr. N. Garden City Beach, S.C. 29576 or Pee Dee Area Big Brothers, P.O. Box 12147, Florence, S.C. 29504. Please sign a guest book at watsonfuneralservices.com. Watson Funeral Services & Crematory of Conway is serving the Family.