Gerald "Shoe" Wayne Norton

Gerald "Shoe" Wayne Norton, 78, of Ardmore, passed away on August 24, 2024, at Mercy Hospital in Ardmore. Born on December 28, 1945, in Ardmore, he was the son of the late Dalphus Lee Norton and Pansy Zenia Lawania (Hacker) Norton.

Gerald was raised in Lone Grove and completed his education there, graduating with the class of 1963. Following his schooling, he embarked on a successful career as a car salesman in the Ardmore area, continuing in this capacity until his retirement. Throughout his professional life, Gerald was known for his exceptional interpersonal skills, effortlessly making friends and connections wherever he went. He was charismatic and left a lasting impression on those around him.  When people spoke about him, it was with admiration and adoration.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Gerald was an avid outdoorsman who cherished his leisure time spent hunting, fishing, and enjoying the serene pleasures of the lake. His passion for automobiles led him to become a business owner, operating his own car dealerships, and he took great joy in restoring project cars during his free time.

Gerald is survived by his sons, Jasyn Norton and wife Samantha of Ardmore, and Josh Norton and wife Courtney of Okmulgee, OK.; daughters, Felicia Brown and husband Mike, as well as Monica Hardaway and husband Edmund, both of McKinney, TX. He is further survived by his siblings: Brenda Norton of Lone Grove, OK; Larry Norton of Ardmore, OK; Raymond Norton and wife Betty of Lone Grove; Louis Norton and wife Cindy of Virginia; and Lawania Denham and husband Randy of Lone Grove. Gerald was a proud grandfather to ten grandchildren: Lisa Link, Edmund Hardaway II, Jadyn Hardaway, Dru Norton, Isabela Brown, Elexa Hardaway, Gage Brown, Emery Brown, Trinidy Hardaway, and Grace Norton; and he will be especially remembered as a guiding presence for his great-grandchild Wyatt Link, with one more great-grandchild on the way.

Preceding Gerald in death were his parents, his sister, Nelda Jones Norton, and his brother, David Norton.

Services celebrating Gerald's life are scheduled for 2:00 P.M. on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, at the Alexander Gray Funeral Home Chapel in Wilson, with Raymond Norton officiating. A private interment will follow at Hewitt Cemetery. The arrangements are under the care and direction of the Alexander Gray Funeral Home in Wilson.

Gerald Wayne Norton leaves behind a legacy of hard work, camaraderie, and a zeal for life that will be missed by all who knew him. Condolences and memories can be shared online at www.alexandergrayfh.com.